Gov Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has demanded that the remains of makeup artiste, Abigael Frederick, who perished in a boat accident with actor, Junior Pope and other crew members, be returned to the state for a befitting burial.
This directive was communicated by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekerete Udoh, via his X account on Saturday.
Eno expressed deep sorrow over Frederick’s death, describing her as a shining example of the state’s youths who answered the call to excel.
He sympathized with her grieving family, stating that he was not informed of the circumstances that led to her being buried by the river.
The statement read, “His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Governor, Akwa Ibom State, is aware of the tragic boat mishap, which occurred a few days ago, on River Niger, involving some Nollywood actors and other supporting crew members while on a trip to a movie location.
“One of the victims of that accident, Ms Abigael Edith Frederick, was a quintessential example of our young people who have harkened to our clarion call for them to arise and shine.
“She was a 24-year-old graduate of Theatre Arts, who had found her passion as a make-up artist.
“We are deeply saddened by her painful passing and on behalf of the government and people of Akwa Ibom State, we sympathise with her family, the Nollywood community and her friends and colleagues over this sad loss.
“We have also followed and read the reportage, especially on the social media platforms surrounding her burial and wish to state categorically that the government was not informed of the circumstances that led to her burial.
“His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, has consequently directed that her body be brought back to her family for a proper and decent burial.
“As the famous theme song of the Liverpool Football Club goes, the bereaved family will not ‘walk alone’. May her soul rest in peace.”
Fredrick’s body was discovered on Thursday, April 11, and reportedly buried at the riverbank.
