Fresh anxiety has gripped fans of veteran Nollywood actor Hanks Anuku following the circulation of a disturbing video showing him lying on a street in what appeared to be a state of distress, reigniting conversations about the actor's welfare and the need for urgent intervention.
The video, which has gone viral across social media platforms, captures the actor dressed in a black shirt, blue jeans and red sneakers. He appears disoriented, speaking to himself while a crowd gathers around him, with several bystanders expressing concern over his condition.
One woman in the footage made an emotional appeal for help, saying, "You guys should do something. This is very important." Her plea has resonated with many Nigerians who have called for those close to the actor and relevant industry bodies to step in.
Another individual in the video alleged that substance abuse could be responsible for Anuku's condition. However, no evidence was presented to support the claim, and it remains unverified.
As public reactions continue to pour in, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has yet to issue an official statement on the latest development as of the time of filing this report, leaving many wondering whether the guild will respond to the growing concerns.
The latest footage has also revived memories of a similar controversy in 2022, when videos of Anuku wandering the streets in tattered clothing sparked widespread speculation about his mental health and general well-being.
At the time, the actor firmly dismissed the reports, insisting the footage was recorded on a movie set and accusing those responsible for circulating it of deliberately attempting to damage his reputation.
Veteran actress Shan George also came to his defence during the 2022 controversy, maintaining that the actor was mentally stable and declaring that he was "not insane."Her position, however, was challenged by actress Adanma Luke, whose differing account prompted the Actors Guild of Nigeria to launch an investigation into the conflicting claims surrounding Anuku's condition.
Speaking in 2024 about the impact of the earlier viral incident, Anuku revealed that the controversy had taken a devastating toll on both his personal life and acting career.
According to the veteran actor, the viral footage "ruined" his career, leading to strained relationships with friends, financial hardship and a significant decline in movie opportunities.
With fresh footage now circulating online, concerns over Anuku's welfare have once again taken centre stage, as many Nigerians continue to urge his family, colleagues and relevant stakeholders to ascertain his condition and provide any support he may need.