Ini Billie, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Government has directed that the body of one of the crew members who died in the Nollywood boat mishap be retrieved home for burial.
Ms Abigal Edith Frederick, an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, was a make-up artiste on the crew who died when their boat capsized while returning from the movie location on River Niger.
It was learnt that Frederick was a 24-year-old graduate of Theatre Arts, University of Uyo.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ekerete Udoh stated in a press statement on Saturday in Uyo that Governor Umo Eno has directed that Frederick’s body be brought back home for a decent burial.
Udoh who described the deceased as a ‘quintessential example’ of young persons who have harkened to the State’s clarion call for them to Arise and shine, said the family of the deceased would not ‘walk alone’.
“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,” he stated.
Frederick, alongside popular actor, Pope Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope and three other crew members were returning from the location set of a movie titled “The Other Side of Life,” produced by Nollywood actress, Adanma Luke, when their boat capsized.