Outrage in Benue as mortician is arrested for alleged misuse of corpse

By James Ike

Residents of Agwabi community in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State were thrown into shock after a mortician, identified as Amaobi, was arrested for allegedly engaging in an unusual and disturbing act involving a corpse.

Amaobi, who is said to be in charge of a local mortuary, was reportedly apprehended by youths in the early hours of the day after he was seen moving around with a human leg, allegedly taken from a body in his custody, and using it as a walking aid.

Eyewitnesses said the incident attracted widespread attention when the mortician reportedly took the severed limb to a nearby retail shop while attempting to purchase items.

The act sparked outrage among residents, prompting swift intervention by community youths who detained him before alerting security authorities.

Upon arrival, security personnel took Amaobi into custody and commenced preliminary interrogation.

In his defence, the suspect claimed that his actions were intended as a form of protest to draw public attention to challenges he was facing in managing the mortuary.

He reportedly stated that he had been overwhelmed by the presence of over 18 unclaimed bodies, said to be suspected criminals killed by security operatives last year and deposited at the facility without adequate support for their evacuation or proper handling.

Sources disclosed that the suspect has been transferred to the police station at the Buruku Local Government headquarters for further investigation, while authorities continue to assess the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The development has since generated concern among residents, with many calling for stricter oversight of mortuary operations and proper handling of human remains in the state.