Residents of Agwabi community in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State have expressed shock and anger following the arrest of a mortician accused of desecrating a corpse in a bizarre incident.
The suspect, whose identity was not disclosed, was reportedly apprehended after he was seen moving around with a human leg allegedly removed from a corpse and used as a walking aid.
The disturbing incident, said to have occurred in the early hours of Friday, sparked widespread outrage after the mortician was sighted openly carrying the severed limb in public.
Eyewitnesses said tension escalated when the suspect allegedly attempted to use the human part while making purchases at a nearby shop, drawing the attention of passersby.
“We were shocked beyond words. People began shouting when they saw him, and soon a crowd gathered before some youths intervened,” a resident, who preferred anonymity, recounted.
Angry youths in the area subsequently apprehended the suspect and handed him over to security operatives for further investigation.
During interrogation, the mortician reportedly claimed his actions were meant to draw attention to the difficulties he faced in managing bodies deposited at his facility.
According to him, over 18 unclaimed corpses believed to be those of suspected criminals killed by security agencies last year—had been left in his custody without arrangements for evacuation or support.
Sources confirmed that the suspect is currently in police custody at the Buruku Divisional Headquarters as investigations continue.
A security official, who spoke off record, assured that a thorough probe had been launched to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, for official comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
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