Join our WhatsApp channel HERE for the latest Benue news and updates!
In a decisive move to safeguard public health, the Benue State Government has sealed a private mortuary in Ugbokolo, Okpokwu Local Government Area, following a dangerous breach of Lassa fever safety protocols. Community youths forcibly deposited the body of a confirmed Lassa fever victim into the facility, prompting immediate government intervention to prevent a potential outbreak.
The victim, a 54-year-old woman from Ogbadibo, died at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi, where tests confirmed she had contracted the deadly virus. Health officials attempting a safe, protocol-guided burial were attacked by agitated youths who seized the corpse and relocated it to the private mortuary, escalating the risk of transmission.
Dr. Paul Ogwuche, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, disclosed the development on Thursday while leading a joint team of health officials and security personnel to Ogbadibo and Okpokwu LGAs to restore order and enforce containment measures. A swift operation on Wednesday, involving local authorities, traditional rulers, and security agencies, successfully retrieved the body and ensured its safe burial in Orokam in full compliance with World Health Organisation (WHO) and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) guidelines.
Following the incident, Dr. Ogwuche ordered the immediate closure of the private hospital and mortuary for decontamination, disinfection, and epidemiological investigation. “All close contacts and health workers involved have been identified and placed under surveillance. Public health safety is our top priority, and the government will not tolerate actions that endanger lives,” he stated firmly.
The Commissioner urged residents to refrain from handling bodies of individuals who die from suspected infectious diseases and to report symptoms such as persistent fever or unexplained bleeding to the nearest health facility without delay. He emphasized that such reckless actions not only violate safety protocols but also undermine collective efforts to control outbreaks.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in managing highly contagious diseases like Lassa fever, particularly in rural communities where cultural practices sometimes clash with public health mandates. The state government has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on protocol violations, with security and health teams now on heightened alert across affected areas.
As Benue continues to battle seasonal disease risks, this episode serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for community cooperation, awareness, and strict adherence to expert-guided safety measures to protect lives and prevent wider outbreaks.
