Outrage erupted in Benue State after a group of youths seized the body of a 54-year-old woman confirmed to have died from Lassa fever at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH). The youths violently resisted the Ministry of Health’s Rapid Response Team who were attempting to conduct a safe burial, and instead deposited the highly contagious remains at a private mortuary in Ugbokolo, Okpokwu LGA.
The Benue State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, quickly mobilized a team of epidemiologists, security personnel, and local officials to intervene. After several hours of negotiation with community leaders and family, the State Safe Burial Team successfully recovered the body and safely laid it to rest in Orokam, following strict WHO and NCDC guidelines.
In response to the dangerous incident, Dr. Ogwuche ordered the immediate closure of the private hospital and mortuary until a complete decontamination and public health review is done. He confirmed that all individuals who had contact with the corpse, including hospital staff, have been placed under medical surveillance to prevent the disease from spreading. The Commissioner emphasized that public safety is the government’s priority and that such reckless acts will not be tolerated. He concluded by announcing widespread public health education campaigns in the affected areas to combat misinformation and promote safe practices.
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