The Benue State Government has closed a private mortuary in Ugbokolo because a group of community youths violently defied public health rules and forced the body of a confirmed Lassa fever patient into the facility.
The deceased was a 54-year-old woman confirmed to have died of Lassa fever at the teaching hospital in Makurdi. When health officials tried to conduct a safe burial, “angry youths” attacked the team, stole the corpse, and dumped it at the private mortuary. Apparently, some people didn’t get the memo that Lassa fever is highly contagious—or maybe they just really wanted to make things complicated.
Health Commissioner Dr. Paul Ogwuche quickly swooped in with a team and security personnel to calm the situation. They successfully recovered the body and ensured a safe burial following WHO/NCDC guidelines.
The mortuary (and the associated hospital) are now sealed until a full decontamination and epidemiological assessment can be completed. Everyone who had close contact with the body, including staff, is being traced and monitored.
The government’s message is clear: Don’t mess with infectious diseases, and if someone dies of one, call the pros—do not stage a heist.
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