The Akwa Ibom state government, led by Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, is demanding the remains of Abigail Fredrick, their beloved daughter, for a dignified and proper burial ceremony.
Abigail Frederick, a skilled makeup artist, met her untimely demise in a tragic maritime incident that also claimed the life of renowned Nigerian actor Pope Obumneme Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope.
Abigail’s body was discovered on Thursday, April 11, and hastily buried along the riverbank without the consent or knowledge of her grieving family.
It is alleged that the townspeople, in a flagrant display of superstition, decreed her burial by the river as punishment for her family’s failure to appease the river deity with a sacrificial offering before relocating her remains.
This egregious act of disrespect and disregard for Abigail’s dignity and cultural practices cannot go unchallenged, and the Akwa Ibom state government is adamant in their demand for justice and the return of Abigail’s body to her rightful resting place.
The Statement reads; “We are deeply saddened by her painful passing. 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”.
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