Boat mishap: Umo Eno demands makeup artiste’s corpse for ‘proper’ burial, offers job to her sibling

Umo Eno, the governor of Akwa Ibom, has asked that the body of Abigael Frederick, one of the crew members involved in the fatal boat accident, be returned to the state for “proper” burial.

Abigael, the makeup artiste, died alongside Junior Pope and some other crew members on Wednesday after their boat capsized inside River Niger in Asaba, Delta state. They were on their way to a movie location.

The makeup artist was among the three bodies recovered from the water two days after the incident.

In a statement signed by Ekerete Udoh, the press secretary to the governor, Eno sympathised with the family of Abigael.

The governor also directed that her corpse, which was said to have been buried by the riverbank, be brought home for a “proper and decent” burial.

“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,” the statement reads.

“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.”

ENO VISITS FAMILY OF LATE MAKEUP ARTIST

Umo, who also paid a condolence visit to the family of Abigail, announced automatic employment in the state civil service to the elder sister of the deceased.

He directed Umo Ekpo, the special assistant on humanitarian services, to renovate the family house to suit modern standards.

Eno also assured that his government will assist the younger students of the deceased throughout their schooling at the University of Uyo.

Chukwuma Soludo, the governor of Anambra state, earlier mourned the victims of the boat mishap, describing it as a “painful loss”.

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) also suspended all movies involving riverine locations, following the death of Junior Pope and the crew members.

The AGN further set up a committee to improve the safety of its members.