Nollywood actors and filmmakers have mourned veteran actor Francis Duru following his death at the age of 57.
The film stars took to Instagram on Friday to express grief over his death, paying tribute to his contributions to the Nigerian film industry and recalling his talent and impact on colleagues.
Actor and politician Desmond Elliot described Duru as a true thespian who had gone home.
“Sad indeed! Rest in Gods grace. A true thespian has gone home! Adieu, Francis Duru,” he wrote.
The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, also paid tribute to the deceased, describing him as another great talent lost to the industry.
“Another great thespian gone….Rest in peace Francis Duru!!” he wrote.
The guild’s National Secretary, Ify Okeke, announced the death in a post, describing Duru as one of their own and urging colleagues to pray for his family.
“Colleagues we just lost one of our own, a great talented actor, Francis Duru (Ahanna). Please pray for his family as we will bring updates,” she wrote.
Actress Matildah Muchindu described the actor’s death as heartbreaking, offering condolences to his family, the guild and the wider Nollywood community.
In a tribute, she said Duru’s contributions to African cinema would be remembered by generations.
“Sir, your legacy will live on through the beautiful stories you brought to life on our screens. Generations will continue to celebrate your incredible talent and contribution to African cinema,” she wrote.
Muchindu added, “May God comfort everyone mourning your passing. Rest peacefully, legend. Your talent will never be forgotten.”
Filmmaker Kiff Alfred also mourned the actor, describing his death as a major loss to Nollywood.
“Rest in peace, Francis Duru. Nollywood has lost a legend. Your legacy will live on forever,” he wrote.
Another filmmaker, Ben Cassie, remembered Duru as an intelligent and free-spirited thespian, saying the industry would struggle to come to terms with his death.
“Rest on Ahanna. Rest on Soldier! A very intelligent and free thespian! We cannot recover from this one,” he wrote.
Cassie added, “From Praying for Divine, we started praying for Uncle. Uncle, this pain is not quiet. Rest on, true thespian. A huge loss for us, a very huge loss for us…”
Actress Queen Adaku also expressed disbelief over the news, asking whether it was a rumour.
“Hope it’s rumour…. Francis Duru de@d???” she wrote.
Filmmaker Agozie Ugwu, who described Duru as a brother and friend, said the actor’s death had reopened painful memories of loss.
“Today I mourn with deep pains the death of a brother and friend. Your death awakens pains I thought I had healed from,” he wrote.
He added, “Often, we don’t really heal from the pains of death! We just find ways to cope and movie on! Rest in peace.”
Earlier, PUNCH Online reported that Duru died following a brief illness. His family announced his death on his official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday.
“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 statement read.