Confusion in Benue as youths seize lassa fever victim’s corpse, prevent safe burial

There was outrage in Benue State after a group of misinformed youths reportedly took possession of the body of a Lassa fever victim, blocking health officials from performing a proper and safe burial in Ogbadibo Local Government Area.

According to reports, the deceased a 54-year-old woman from Ogbadibo fied at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) in Makurdi, where laboratory tests confirmed she had contracted the Lassa fever virus.

Tension flared when the Ministry of Health’s Rapid Response Team attempted to carry out the approved burial procedures.

Some agitated youths allegedly resisted and moved the corpse to a private mortuary in Ugbokolo, Okpokwu LGA.

The development led to the swift intervention of the Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, who mobilized a team consisting of epidemiologists, local government representatives, and security personnel to the scene.

After several hours of negotiations involving family members, community chiefs, and youth leaders, the remains were recovered and laid to rest safely in Orokam by the State Safe Burial Team.

The process was conducted according to World Health Organisation (WHO) and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) protocols.

In response to the incident, Dr. Ogwuche directed the immediate shutdown of the private hospital and mortuary where the body had been kept, pending a full decontamination and epidemiological review.

He said, “All hospital staff and identified contacts have been placed under medical surveillance to prevent possible secondary transmission.

Public health safety is our top priority. The government cannot allow any act that endangers the lives of our citizens.”

Dr. Ogwuche further commended the swift efforts of security operatives, local council chairmen, and traditional authorities for helping to calm tensions.

He also announced the launch of extensive public health education campaigns across Ogbadibo and Okpokwu LGAs to combat misinformation, promote hygiene awareness, and discourage unsafe handling of corpses.