Veteran Nollywood actor, producer and director Steve Echendu has died after battling an undisclosed illness, adding to a wave of grief currently sweeping through the Nigerian film industry.

The news was announced by his colleague, Wisdom Nwankwo, in a Facebook post in which he expressed deep pain over the loss of two industry figures within five days. Nwankwo also mourned media personality Austinfair Nwaulu, who died days earlier and was buried on Tuesday. He described Echendu as one of the “gladiators” of Nollywood’s formative years and a key figure associated with OJs Production.

“I don’t take chills in doing this, but I am really touched and pained,” Nwankwo wrote. He urged people to check on friends who had been absent from their social media timelines, noting the unpredictability of life. “Just a space of five days, oh Lord, let your will always prevail.”

Echendu was known for his work both in front of and behind the camera. His film credits include Fury (2019), Knockout Blessing (2018) and Infant at Heart (2024). Colleagues remembered him as a dedicated contributor during the period when the Nigerian home-video industry was expanding and consolidating.

His death comes just hours after the industry also lost veteran actor Francis Duru, whose family announced his passing on 23 October 2026 at the age of 57 following a brief illness. The back-to-back losses have left many in Nollywood in shock.

As of Saturday morning, details about Echendu’s exact age, the nature of his illness and burial arrangements had not been made public. Tributes continue to pour in from colleagues and fans across social media.

Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, his family confirmed in a statement released on Friday, October 23, 2026.

The family announced the news on Duru’s official Instagram page, writing: “We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness. We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”

The confirmation followed a tribute the previous day from Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), who posted: “Another great thespian gone… Rest in peace Francis Duru!!”

Duru rose to prominence in the mid-1990s with his role as Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s 1995 film Rattlesnake. He began his acting career in 1989 and built a decades-long presence in Nollywood, appearing in numerous productions and earning recognition for his versatility. He served as interim president of the AGN in 2010 and received a United Nations Ambassador of Peace award in 2007 for his positive influence on youth.

Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, graduating in 1996. He is survived by his wife, Adokiye, and their children. The family had previously lost a son, Ifeanyi, in 2024.

In June 2026, Duru publicly dismissed circulating videos and speculation about his health, assuring fans he was well. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans across the industry.

Temi Nkem has emerged as the winner of BBNaija Season 11, bringing the reality show’s latest edition to an end.

The finalists were Temi Nkem, Barry, Tram, Oyin, Flora, Sheba, Aikou, Ricky and Bluethopia.

Temi Nkem was crowned winner during the grand finale on Sunday night after weeks of competition, evictions and intense drama among the housemates.

The victory sees Temi Nkem take home the ₦160 million prize package awarded to the winner of the season.

The season began with 24 housemates before the competition was gradually narrowed down to the finalists.