Junior Pope: Akwa Ibom demands body of makeup artist ‘buried’ near river

Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has directed that the body of makeup artist Abigael Frederick should be brought to her family.

Ms Frederick, actor Junior Pope and several others died in a boat accident in the River Niger area on Wednesday. They drowned during the production of Adanma Luke’s movie Another Side of Life.

Frederick’s body was found on April 11 and reportedly buried at the riverbank.

In a statement on Saturday by his chief press secretary Ekerete Udoh, Eno conveyed his grief over Frederick’s passing and praised her as a bright example of the state’s young people who rose to the occasion.

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 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