By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Thugs abducted a mortuary attendant on Thursday at NKST Hospital in Jato Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, disrupting a planned mass burial for victims killed by bandits in Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities. The attack prevented families from accessing the corpses of 11 victims scheduled for burial and sparked outrage among community leaders and political stakeholders.
How the Mortuary Attendant Was Abducted
Reports revealed that suspected thugs stormed the mortuary facility and abducted the attendant, identified as MT Tiga. They also sealed the mortuary to stop the release of bodies for burial.
Consequently, families of the victims could not retrieve the corpses deposited at the facility. The absence of the mortuary attendant made it impossible to proceed with the burial arrangements.
The disruption angered residents and visitors who had gathered for the burial ceremony.
Background: Bandit Attack That Triggered the Burial
Bandits attacked Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities on March 5 in Yaav and Mbadura council wards of Kwande Local Government Area.
During the attack, several people lost their lives while many others sustained injuries. Families later deposited the bodies at NKST Hospital mortuary ahead of a mass burial scheduled for Thursday.
However, the abduction incident halted the planned ceremony.
Community Leaders Condemn the Incident
Community leaders strongly condemned the disruption, describing it as an attack on the dignity of grieving families.
A local chairman said organizing a mass burial in such a volatile environment posed serious risks.
According to him, the victims had slept in their homes when suspected Fulani attackers struck.
He said the people of Turan have the right to bury their loved ones and draw attention to the suffering in their communities.
The chairman also praised Alex Barbir, who reportedly travelled from the United States to support the community and witness the burial.
Tiv Worldwide Leader Reacts
The President-General of Mdzough U Tiv Worldwide, retired Comptroller General of Prisons Iorbee Ihagh, described the situation as shameful.
He said people travelled long distances, including from abroad, to attend the burial.
However, they found the mortuary locked and the attendant missing.
Ihagh explained that some people wanted to force the mortuary open, but a priest advised them against it.
Local Government Chairman Speaks
The Chairman of Kwande Local Government Area, Neji Terhile, said organisers of the mass burial did not consider the security situation.
He added that families had already buried some victims before the planned ceremony.
Terhile stressed that the area remains volatile and requires caution when organising large gatherings.
APC Condemns Disruption of Burial
The All Progressives Congress in Benue State also condemned the incident.
In a statement by the state publicity secretary, Daniel Ihomun, the party described the disruption as disgraceful.
The party alleged that sponsored thugs abducted the mortuary attendant to prevent the burial ceremony.
According to the statement, the act denied grieving families access to the bodies of their loved ones.
Governor Alia Orders Security Investigation
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings that triggered the burial ceremony.
In a statement by his media aide, Solomon Iorpev, the governor described the attack as senseless and barbaric.
He also directed security agencies to track down and arrest those responsible for the killings.
Authorities have yet to confirm the whereabouts of the abducted mortuary attendant.
