Benue Govt Seals Hospital, Morgue After Woman Dies of Lassa Fever
The Benue State Government has ordered the closure of a private hospital and mortuary in Okpokwu Local Government Area after a 54-year-old woman who tested positive for Lassa fever died.
Commissioner for Health and Human Resources, Dr Paul Ogwuche, announced the closure in Makurdi, explaining that it was part of emergency measures to contain the disease, disinfect the affected facilities, and prevent further spread.
Ogwuche said all medical personnel and individuals who had direct or indirect contact with the victim had been traced and placed under observation.
He revealed that the woman, a resident of Ogbadibo Local Government Area, died on Sunday at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, where laboratory results confirmed she had contracted Lassa fever. Her body was later moved to a private morgue in Ugbokolo, Okpokwu Local Government Area.
The commissioner disclosed that the containment team met stiff resistance when some angry youths from the deceased’s community forcefully took away the corpse during preparations for burial.
“As part of the initial response, I led a delegation of health officials and security operatives to both local government areas to ensure safety, containment, and order,” Ogwuche stated.
He added that through dialogue with the family, community leaders, and youth representatives, the remains were later recovered and buried safely in Orokam, Ogbadibo Local Government Area, by the State Safe Burial Team, in compliance with WHO and NCDC guidelines.
Ogwuche said the burial took place on Wednesday under strict supervision, while the hospital and morgue had been sealed for decontamination and investigation.
He confirmed that all identified contacts had been placed under surveillance, and sensitisation campaigns were ongoing in Ogbadibo and Okpokwu LGAs to educate residents on hygiene and preventive practices.
“Our top priority is to protect public health,” the commissioner stressed, commending the cooperation of local government authorities, traditional rulers, and security agencies.
He cautioned residents against handling corpses of individuals suspected to have died from infectious diseases and advised them to report any cases of persistent fever or unexplained bleeding to nearby health centres.
Lassa fever continues to pose a public health threat in Benue State. In September, State Epidemiologist Dr Asema Msuega reported 243 suspected cases recorded since January 2025, with 13 deaths, including that of a health worker. Eighteen cases were confirmed through laboratory testing.
According to Msuega, “Five of the deaths were confirmed Lassa fever cases, while eight were classified as probable, meaning the victims died before samples could be tested.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
