Nigerian Actor Francis Duru Dies at 57

Nigerian actor Francis Duru has died at 57 after what his family described as a brief illness, according to an announcement on his verified Instagram page on October 23, 2026. The family did not identify the illness. The statement said the family regretted announcing his passing and thanked supporters for their prayers, love and understanding. It also asked for understanding as relatives and loved ones mourned. The announcement is the basis for reports of Duru’s death; no details about the medical circumstances were provided. Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, also confirmed Duru’s death in a social-media post and paid tribute to him. Colleagues and fans shared messages of condolence, recalling the actor’s work and offering support to his family. Duru was widely remembered for playing Ahanna in Rattlesnake, the 1990s film produced by Amaka Igwe. His other screen credits included Blood Money, Home in Exile, Stigma and Mboputa. He began acting in 1989, according to biographical accounts, and worked in film and theatre over a career spanning more than three decades. Born in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru studied Theatre Arts at...