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A public notice issued by the management of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Makurdi, has sparked heated debate in Benue State, with social media users raising serious allegations about the identities of some of the deceased and the role of security operatives.
The official notice informs the public that arrangements have been concluded for the mass burial of unclaimed corpses currently deposited in the Centre’s mortuary. Families of missing persons are urged to visit the mortuary for identification and claims before Friday, June 26, 2026, after which any remaining unclaimed bodies will be buried in accordance with established procedures. The notice, signed by Dr. Uche Azuka, Head of Clinical Services, appeals to the public to treat the matter with urgency and share the information widely.
In reaction, activist Asom D Jerry, in widely shared Facebook posts, alleged that some of the bodies belong to innocent people killed by operatives of Operation Zenda under Commander Barnabas Gomna and CSP Lyam Akegh. He claimed preparations for the mass burial are being rushed to dispose of victims of alleged extrajudicial killings, while victims of Fulani herdsmen attacks in Gwer East and Kwande LGAs were previously denied similar mass burials by the state government.
The posts further called on the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Umar Shehu Nadada, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and other authorities including the Nigeria Police Force, ICPC, and human rights organisations to intervene, stop the burial, and order autopsies on the bodies. Some of the deceased are alleged to have been tortured or unlawfully killed without trial.
The activist also accused Governor Hyacinth Alia of showing a lack of concern for insecurity in the state. Operation Zenda has been urged to refocus on tackling armed herders rather than indiscriminate actions against youths.
This situation highlights the deep tensions surrounding security operations and rising violence in Benue State. As of now, there has been no official response from the Benue State Government, Operation Zenda, or the Nigeria Police Force confirming or denying the specific allegations. Families with missing relatives are advised to act swiftly by contacting the FMC Makurdi Mortuary.
