Nigerians have continued to express shock and sadness following the death of Nollywood actor Francis Duru, whose passing was announced on social media on Friday by the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu.
The news of Duru’s death triggered an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, friends and fans, many of whom expressed disbelief that the actor, born in 1969, had died.
While some mourned his passing and celebrated his contributions to the Nigerian film industry, others questioned the frequency of deaths among Nollywood actors in recent years.
Musician Daniel Wilson, a friend and contemporary of the deceased, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, lamenting that many of his friends were dying one after another and leaving him feeling increasingly lonely.
In an emotional tribute, Wilson wrote: “All my friends are leaving me here! Francis Duru, my brother, so this is how you leave?”
Wilson disclosed that he had been scheduled to participate as a panellist at the Abuja International Film Festival on Friday and had looked forward to being welcomed by Duru, who had received and announced him at the previous year’s festival.
He said the news of the actor’s death came through a mutual friend and left him devastated.
“Francis, you were supposed to welcome me today. You were not supposed to be saying goodbye. My heart is heavy,” he wrote.
Wilson thanked the organisers of the festival for postponing the day’s panel discussion, saying he would have struggled to speak before an audience in the wake of the news.
Describing Duru as more than a familiar face in Nollywood, the musician praised his humility, kindness, loyalty and respect for others.
He said the actor remained grounded despite his recognition in the entertainment industry and had a special ability to make people feel valued.
Wilson also recalled other departed friends, including Miengiye, popularly known as Capo, and urged people to cherish their relationships while they still had the opportunity.
“Please cherish your friends while they are here. Make that call. Return that message. Settle that misunderstanding. Show up for the people who matter,” he advised.
The actor’s death also attracted widespread reactions following a social media post by Nollywood star Kanayo O. Kanayo, which drew thousands of comments and shares, reflecting the depth of public grief.
Many fans recalled Duru’s performance in Rattlesnake, the acclaimed movie produced in 1995 by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe, describing it as one of his memorable roles.
Others remembered different films in which he featured, including one involving actress Rita Dominic in which he reportedly played a fisherman.
Prosper Charlie, one of those who paid tribute, recalled his admiration for the film featuring Duru and Dominic.
“This was very crazy for me to see today,” Nwachimereze Ugobst wrote in reaction to the announcement.
Solomon Ede said Duru had made his childhood memorable, underscoring the actor’s influence on audiences who grew up watching Nigerian films.
Joshua Thompson questioned why actors and actresses appeared to be dying so frequently, while Francisca Mgbulu asked: “What is happening to all our actors?”
Afimie MacLean similarly expressed concern over the deaths of Nollywood stars in recent years, asking what was happening in the industry.
Liza Njewi, a commenter from Uganda, prayed for divine intervention, while Princess Essie Nvule called on the industry to address what she described as the “endless deaths in Nollywood”.
Another commenter, Real Sunny, reacted with disbelief, jokingly wondering whether an acting project was taking place in the land of the dead and suggesting that the departed were coming to pick others.
The reactions reflected a mixture of grief, nostalgia and growing concern among fans over the loss of familiar faces in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Duru, who was born in 1969, was remembered by admirers for his screen performances and the memories he created for generations of movie lovers.
As tributes continued to pour in, his death left colleagues and fans mourning the loss of an actor whose work had become part of their lives.
