Akwa Ibom State governor, Umo Eno, has commiserated with the family of Akwa Ibom-born Nollywood Actress, Ms Edith Frederick, who died in a boat mishap a few days ago, on River Niger, along with some of her colleagues and supporting crew members while on a trip to a movie location.
Her remains were reportedly buried at the bank of Anam River in Anambra State as the parents could not shoulder the cost of bringing her remains home for burial.
However, her home government in Akwa Ibom State claimed it was not aware of such situation and ordered her body to be exhumed and evacuated home for proper burial.
Chief press secretary (CPS) to the governor, Ekerete Udoh, who spoke on behalf of his boss at the weekend said, “One of the victims of that accident, Ms Abigail Edith Frederick, was a quintessential example of our young people who have hearkened 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 artiste.
“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 reports surrounding her burial, especially on social media platforms, and wish to state categorically that government was not informed of the circumstances that led to her burial.
“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.”