Junior Pope: Gov Eno orders exhumation of makeup artist buried by riverside

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has ordered the body of the late makeup artiste, Abigail Edith Frederick, to be exhumed for proper burial in Akwa Ibom State.

Tribune Online reports that the body of the late Abigail, who drowned alongside actor, Junior Pope and others in a boat accident while returning from a movie location, was buried by the riverside.

The 24-year-old makeup artiste, who is an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, was reportedly buried at the riverbank due to her family’s inability to provide the money needed to perform the necessary rituals for her body to be transported back home.

Reacting to the development on Saturday, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, in a press release made available by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, commiserated with the family of the late Abigail over the tragic death of their daughter.

The statement also revealed that the governor was not aware of the circumstances that led to the burial of the late artiste at the riverbank.

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However, the governor gave directions for her body to be exhumed and returned to her family in Akwa Ibom State for a 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 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 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, 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.”