Daniel Etim Effiong has opened up about a painful chapter from his childhood, sharing how his mother lost her life while making relentless trips to visit his imprisoned father.

The Nollywood actor made the revelation during an appearance on the Dear Ife Series, where he spoke candidly about the emotional toll his family endured during that period. According to him, his father was transferred to Kano Central Prison at a time when detainees were being moved across regions, leaving the family separated by a long and difficult distance.

He recalled how his mother stepped up to keep the family afloat, relocating them to Benin City to stay close to her relatives while she searched for help and support for her husband’s release. Despite the challenges, she remained committed, travelling between Benin and Kano every two weeks. On some occasions, her sister would alternate the journey, travelling from Jos to Kano, ensuring his father was not left without visits.

Tragedy struck during one of those trips when she was involved in a fatal accident on her way to Kano. Effiong revealed that the loss deeply shattered his father, who was still in prison at the time, compounding the family’s grief.

Sharing one of his earliest memories, the actor said he was just four years old when it happened. He remembered crying and insisting on following his mother on that final journey, a moment that has stayed with him ever since. She eventually handed him over to a caregiver and left, unaware it would be the last time he would see her.

Effiong also disclosed that his father was later released from prison under unclear circumstances, noting that the decision came amid mounting pressure on former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida before he left power.