Nigerian Governor orders immediate exhumation of Nollywood artist’s corpse

A Governor in Nigeria, Pastor Umo Eno, has ordered that the remains of Miss Abigail Edith Frederick, a makeup artist who drowned to death alongside her colleagues while working on movie production set in Delta State.

Miss Frederick, a native of Akwa Ibom State, was buried on the bank of the River Niger in line with age-long tradition that drowned victims be buried on the river bank to appease the gods.

Alternatively, such corpse could be taken away for proper burial by the family if certain traditional sacrifices are carried out.

A source told Diaspora Digital Media that Miss Frederick was buried following her family inability to provide funds for the sacrificial rites.

On Saturday, the Governor, via a statement issued on his behalf by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ekerette Udoh, expressed sadness over the loss of the 24 year old and demanded that her remains be exhumed and brought home.

The late Abigail Frederick

It 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 Nigeria, 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.”

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