Benue State University Teaching Hospital buries 74 abandoned corpses

Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), in Makurdi, recently conducted the burial of 74 unclaimed corpses that had been held in its morgue.

The task of evacuating and interring these bodies was undertaken by the Benue State Sanitation Agency (BENSESA).

Governor Hyacinth Alia of the State issued the necessary approval for the immediate disposal of the corpses, a decision aimed at addressing a pressing public health concern.

Dr. Terungwa Hwande, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of BSUTH, conveyed his gratitude to Governor Alia for his swift response, which facilitated the timely disposal of the bodies. Many of these remains had languished in the hospital’s mortuary for up to five years.

Dr. Hwande highlighted the significant health risks associated with retaining these unclaimed corpses within the hospital premises. Their presence posed serious public health hazards, potentially serving as sources of epidemic outbreaks. There was also concern about the possibility of mutant diseases originating from them.

He emphasized that BSUTH adhered to due process throughout the evacuation process. Notices were published in both print and electronic media, and official correspondence was sent to relevant security agencies and ministries to coordinate their roles in the evacuation and burial efforts.

The mass burial of the evacuated bodies took place at the public cemetery in Makurdi, ensuring a proper and respectful conclusion to this necessary but somber task.