Angry youths disrupt burial of lassa fever victim in Ogbadibo, seize corpse

Panic and outrage erupted in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State after some misinformed youths allegedly seized the corpse of a Lassa fever victim, obstructing health officials from carrying out a safe burial in line with national and global health protocols.

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

Trouble started when members of the Ministry of Health’s Rapid Response Team arrived to enforce safe burial procedures as stipulated by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). However, some youths, reportedly acting out of ignorance and fear, resisted the officials and forcefully took the corpse to a private mortuary in Ugbokolo, Okpokwu LGA.

The incident sparked serious concern among state health authorities, prompting the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, to lead a high-powered delegation of epidemiologists, local government officials, and security operatives to the area.

After hours of negotiation involving traditional rulers, family members, and youth leaders, the situation was brought under control. The body was eventually retrieved and safely buried in Orokam by the State Safe Burial Team, in strict compliance with public health guidelines.

In response to the breach, Dr. Ogwuche ordered the immediate closure and decontamination of the private mortuary and hospital where the corpse was deposited, pending a full epidemiological investigation.

“All hospital staff and identified contacts have been placed under medical surveillance to prevent possible secondary transmission. Public health safety is our top priority, and the government will not tolerate any act that endangers lives,” the Commissioner said.

He commended community leaders, local council chairmen, and security agencies for their swift intervention in resolving the standoff and preventing further escalation.

Dr. Ogwuche also disclosed that the ministry had launched an intensive public health education campaign across Ogbadibo and Okpokwu LGAs to dispel misinformation, promote personal hygiene, and raise awareness about safe handling of corpses during disease outbreaks.

Health officials have repeatedly warned that Lassa fever remains endemic in parts of Benue, and unsafe contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials could lead to deadly community transmission if not properly managed.