A mortician in Benue State, identified as Amaobi, has been arrested by police after being caught using a human leg from a deceased body as a walking stick in Agwabi, Buruku Local Government Area. The incident, which sparked outrage in the community, occurred on Friday morning when Amaobi was seen carrying the leg to a nearby shop to purchase goods. Witnesses reported the unusual sight, prompting local youths to intervene and detain him until police arrived. The arrest has drawn widespread attention due to the disturbing nature of the act and the mortician’s subsequent explanation.
Amaobi, who manages the mortuary in Agwabi, admitted during police questioning that his actions were intentional and symbolic. He claimed he was trying to draw public and government attention to a growing crisis at the facility. According to him, over 18 criminal bodies, killed by security operatives in the previous year, have been deposited in his mortuary without proper disposal or evacuation. He said the bodies have remained unclaimed and unattended, creating a health and security hazard for the community.
The mortician explained that he resorted to the shocking act as a desperate measure to force authorities to respond. He stated that he had repeatedly appealed to government agencies for assistance but received no actionable response. The leg he used as a walking stick was taken from one of the unclaimed bodies stored in the morgue, which he claimed had been lying there for months without proper handling. His actions, while extreme, were meant to highlight the neglect and lack of support faced by mortuary workers in rural areas.
Community members expressed shock and concern over the incident, with many calling for urgent intervention by state authorities. Some residents said they had long been aware of the overcrowded and poorly managed mortuary but had not known the extent of the problem. The Benue State Police Command confirmed the arrest and stated that investigations are ongoing. Authorities have also been urged to address the broader issue of unclaimed bodies and the lack of infrastructure for proper mortuary management in the region.
The case has raised serious questions about the handling of deceased persons, especially those involved in criminal activities, and the responsibilities of both security agencies and local governments. Mortuary workers across Nigeria often face similar challenges, including lack of funding, inadequate facilities, and delayed responses from authorities. Amaobi’s arrest may serve as a wake-up call for policymakers to improve systems for managing dead bodies and supporting frontline workers in the sector. The government is now under pressure to act swiftly to resolve the situation and prevent further public health risks.
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