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| Late Sam Loco Efe |
Sam Loco Efe, the popular Nollywood actor and comedian whose career helped jump-start the famous Nollywood movie industry in Nigeria is dead.
The ace multitalented actor died today in a hotel room at Rapour Hotel, Amakaohai along Orlu road in Owerri, Imo state shortly after returning from location. He was in Owerri, to direct a film titled “Unknown Prophet”
Sam Loco was said to have asked the cast and crew of the new film to return to their hotel rooms, hoping to continue the shooting the following morning.
Sources say his colleagues who were worried when he didn’t come down for breakfast had alerted the hotel management and after banging on the door of his room, forced the door open only to discover his lifeless body on the bed.
There were conflicting reports as to his real state of health before his demise. While some said he was hale and hearty before his demise, others said he was ill while on the movie set.
Eye witness account said the Edo State born actor had gone to sleep after concluding the day’s shooting and was reported to have complained of a heart problem
It was gathered that he had shared his usual jokes with colleagues before retiring to his room.
Sam Loco died less than a month after the remains of another veteran actor Ashley Nwosu was laid to rest in his home town, in Umuahia
The veteran actor shocked many people about two years ago when he announced he was quitting smoking and drinking, two habits he confessed having been engaged in for four decades.
He was aged 66.
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| Late Sam Loco Efe |
President of Actors Guild of Nigeria, Mr. Segun Arinze and Chairman, AGN, Enugu State chapter, Mr Ofiafuluagu Mbaka confirmed his death .
They described the late actor as “a gentleman and a seasoned actor,”adding that the industry has lost a rare gem.”
“It is very shocking and sad indeed. The industry has not finished mourning the sudden death of Ashley Nwosu, before another death occurred. I’m heart broken. I’m confused, I cannot talk now”, lamented Arinze.
Meanwhile investigations revealed that Sam Loco, who had been sick for awhile, was also hospitalized and later discharged before his death.
At the scene this afternoon, scores of sympathizers, who wore sad faces, were seen discussing the issue in hushed tones, while women wept openly.
All the staff that spoke to reporters on strict grounds of anonymity said, “You have heard the news. It is true he is dead but we are not in a position to tell how he died or what killed him”.
Continuing, the man said the late comedian checked into the hotel July 26, 2011, adding that a doctor had been visiting and treating him in the hotel.
“He was complaining about arthritis and asthma before he eventually died. He died at about 1.47 am Sunday morning”, the staff said.
Sam Loco’s body has already been deposited in Aladinma hospital mortuary in Owerri.
Nollywood mourns:
Sam Loco Efe was a talented Nigerian— RMD
The Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Barrister Richard Mofe Damijo said the death of the man who inspired him to study theatre arts was a shock and he was surprised that “he had gone so soon. He was a fantastic talent and a detribalised Nigerian and a true Bendel man, He will be sorely missed. ”
RMD said he was glad to have shared the stage with him on a few occasions and he particularly influenced his decision to go into theatre.
He helped to propel my art —Charles Novia, actor and producer
I grew up in Benin City, watching Sam Loco on television. He played the role of Chief Ukata Bribri in a popular tv series ‘Hotel de Jordan’. His acting prowess over the years helped propel my art today both as an actor and producer. I’m sad I never got the chance to work with him but his work in Nollywood and on television leaves a rich legacy for many generations.
What’s happening in the entertainment industry?— asked Stella Damasus, actress
I’m in shock, after Christy Essien passed on, I do not know what is happening in the entertainment industry. We are yet to ascertain the cause of Sam Loco’s death.
I feel sad— Enebeli Enebuwa
I just heard the news, and I have been trying to get his relatives to confirm whether he is in coma or has passed on truly. I feel so bad because, we just lost Christy Essien some months ago.
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