The remains of the Nollywood make-up artist, Abigail Frederick, who died in the ill-fated boat mishap were laid to rest in her family compound at Ikot Udoma in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on Monday, April 15.
Straightnews had earlier reported that Frederick , the 2021 Theatre Arts graduate of the University of Uyo, was among four film crew members and popular actor, Mr Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope who drowned after their boat capsized in Anam River in Anambra State last Wednesday, April 10 while returning from a movie shoot.
Recall that the 24-year-old’s body was exhumed from the river bank on Sunday, April 14. She was buried at the bank of the river on April 11 after the recovery of her body from the river.
The Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Saturday, April 13, ordered that her body be removed and brought to the state for proper burial.
Reburial of Abigail
A Facebook user, Ubong David, who shared pictures from the burial on Monday wrote: “Today, the late Abigail Frederick, the Nollywood makeup artist who tragically lost her life in the ill-fated boat mishap, has been laid to rest at the family compound in Ikot Udoma, Eket Local Government Area.
“The funeral service was conducted by the Church of Christ, Ikot Udoma, and was attended by various dignitaries, including the Eket Transition Committee Chairman, Akaniyene Tommey; Commissioner for Tourism, Charles Udoh; SA on Entertainment, Moses Eskor; Godfada Uko, members of the Eket Transition Committee; Nollywood actress Eve Esin; the Nollywood community, friends, and sympathizers.”
A candle-light procession was also held on Monday evening in her honour by friends and alumni of the University of Uyo.
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Meanwhile, the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the tragic boat accident that occurred on the Anam River in Anambra State on Wednesday.
In a statement on Sunday, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of NSIB, Bimbo Oladeji, said the bureau would unravel the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate development.
The bureau said the incident resulted in the loss of five lives, including renowned Nollywood actor, Paul Odonwodo, popularly called Junior Pope; Abigail Frederick; Precious Oforum; and Joseph Anointing.
The speed boat, reportedly carrying twelve film crew members and a boat operator, tragically collided with a canoe.
The NSIB’s investigation aims to uncover the circumstances leading to the collision, identify any factors that contributed to the accident, and recommend measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The Director-General, NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh, said an investigation team had been dispatched in the accident site, adding that an inquiry had also started.
He stated, “The investigation scope includes, but is not limited to, examination of the wreckage from both vessels involved in the collision, interviews with surviving crew members and eyewitnesses, review of operational procedures for the commercial speed boat, analysis of weather and environmental conditions at the time of the accident, and assessment of compliance with relevant safety standards and regulations for inland waterway transportation.”
According to the DG, NSIB will collaborate with relevant authorities, including the Marine Police section of the Anambra State Police Command, maritime authorities, and industry experts, during the investigation.
The bureau is expected to release its findings in a preliminary report, followed by a final report upon the investigation’s conclusion.
The remains of Abigail Frederick ready for reburial in her hometown, Ikot Udoma
The reports aim to enhance safety by providing recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future.
“The NSIB extends its deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this heartbreaking accident. We share in your grief and are fully committed to conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of this tragedy and prevent similar occurrences in the future,” Badeh said.
