Umo Eno, the Ibom State Governor has demanded that the remains of a Nollywood make-up artist, Abigael Frederick, be exhumed and brought to the state for proper burial.
Abigail was one of those involved in the boat accident alongside Nollywood actor, Junior Pope, at a river in Anambra state.
Her body and that of the cameraman were found on Thursday, April 11, after the tragic incident on Wednesday.
Film director cum actor, Moses Eskor, in a post via his social media page, revealed that the family of the deceased could not afford the payment for certain traditional sacrifices for her corpse to be taken back home to Akwa Ibom.
He also said the money raised was insufficient for the traditional rites.
Source say she was buried at the river bank because her family couldn’t afford N150k for sacrifice and ambulance.
Nollywood managed to raise only N10,000.
However, Governor Eno, in a statement through his chief press secretary, Ekerete Udoh, expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased, adding that Abigail’s corpse be brought to him for proper and decent burial.
The statement reads, “His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Governor, Akwa Ibom State, is aware of the tragic boat mishap, which occurred a few days ago, on River Nigeria, 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 years old graduate of Theatre Arts, who had found her passion as a make- up artiste.
“We are deeply saddened by her painful passing and on behalf of the Government and people of AKwa Ibom State, we sympathize 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.”
