By Oscar Okhifo
Veteran Nollywood actor Hanks Anuku has once again become the subject of public concern after a viral video showed him lying by the roadside in the Wuse 2 area of Abuja, triggering widespread speculation over whether he was genuinely in distress or participating in a content creation exercise.
The video, which has circulated widely across social media, shows the actor, dressed in visibly dirty clothing, lying on a roadside pavement as passersby gathered around him, with some expressing concern over his condition.
The footage has generated mixed reactions online. While many Nigerians called for immediate intervention and support for the veteran actor, others questioned whether the scene was part of a staged production or publicity stunt.
With no official explanation yet, the circumstances surrounding the video remain unclear, prompting calls for caution against drawing premature conclusions.
The latest incident has also revived memories of previous viral videos involving Anuku.
In recent years, videos emerged showing the veteran actor wandering along major roads in Asaba, Delta State, talking to himself and appearing around refuse dump sites. Those clips sparked widespread fears that he might be battling mental health challenges or facing severe personal difficulties.
The videos prompted an outpouring of concern from fans and colleagues across the country.
Subsequently, conflicting accounts emerged. While some reports claimed the videos were recorded on a movie set and that Anuku was simply acting out a role, others maintained that the once-celebrated Nollywood star had fallen on difficult times and required urgent assistance and rehabilitation.
The conflicting narratives were never conclusively resolved, and public attention gradually shifted elsewhere.
The latest Abuja video has now reignited conversations about the welfare of veteran entertainers and renewed calls for stronger support systems for ageing actors who may be facing financial, medical or personal challenges after years of contributing to the country’s film industry.
Many social media users have urged the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Anuku’s colleagues, well-meaning Nigerians and relevant government agencies to ascertain his condition and provide assistance if he is found to be in genuine need.
Others, however, warned against turning the incident into a social media spectacle, arguing that if the video eventually proves to have been staged, it could undermine public sympathy for entertainers who may genuinely require support.
Anuku rose to prominence in the 1990s and early 2000s, earning a reputation for playing tough, action-oriented and villainous characters. His distinctive screen presence and commanding performances made him one of the most recognisable faces in Nollywood during the industry’s formative years.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Hanks Anuku nor the Actors Guild of Nigeria had issued an official statement explaining the circumstances surrounding the latest viral video.
Until the emergence of the Abuja footage, little had been heard publicly about the actor in recent months.
His latest appearance has once again stirred concern among fans, with many asking questions about his wellbeing while awaiting clarification from him, his family or the Actors Guild.
One visibly emotional admirer captured the mood at the scene, saying, “May this my guy’s glory not depart. I grew up watching him and his acting was top-notch. God, please help him.”
Until the actor, his family or the Actors Guild of Nigeria provides clarity on the circumstances surrounding the viral video, questions over what transpired in Abuja are likely to persist.