Residents of Benue State have been left in shock after the arrest of a mortician accused of using a human leg as a walking stick, an incident that has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over the handling of corpses in the state.
The suspect, identified simply as Amaobi, was reportedly apprehended by authorities after he was seen moving around in public with what appeared to be a severed human leg. Eyewitnesses said his actions quickly drew attention, with many expressing anger and disbelief before security operatives stepped in to arrest him.
According to accounts from the area, the unusual and disturbing sight caused panic among residents, some of whom initially thought it was a joke or a form of ritual display. However, as the situation became clearer, people demanded immediate action, leading to the suspect’s arrest.
In his defence, Amaobi claimed that his actions were not intended to insult the dead or cause fear, but rather to draw attention to a serious problem he said he was facing in his line of work. He alleged that more than 18 corpses had been abandoned in his morgue by security agencies, leaving him overwhelmed and unsure of what to do.
He described the situation as both a logistical and moral burden, saying the bodies had remained unclaimed for a long period without proper instructions on what should be done with them. According to him, the act of carrying the human leg was meant as a form of protest to attract attention to the issue.
“I did it to show the problem I am facing,” he reportedly said during questioning. “The bodies were left there, and nobody is coming forward to take responsibility.”
Authorities have confirmed the arrest and said investigations are ongoing to establish the full facts of the case. Officials are expected to verify the mortician’s claims about the abandoned bodies and determine whether any security agency or institution failed in its duty.
The police have not yet released full details of the charges Amaobi may face, but legal experts say he could be prosecuted for abuse of a corpse, public disturbance, or other related offences depending on the outcome of the investigation.
The incident has also raised broader concerns about how mortuaries operate in Nigeria, especially in cases involving unidentified or unclaimed bodies. In many parts of the country, morticians often face challenges related to overcrowded facilities, poor funding, and delays in the release or identification of corpses.
In some cases, bodies brought in by security agencies remain in morgues for months or even years without proper documentation or follow-up. This situation can create pressure on mortuary workers, who are responsible for preserving the bodies while also managing limited space and resources.
Residents in Benue have expressed anger over the incident, calling for strict action against the suspect while also demanding a thorough investigation into his claims. Many say the case highlights deeper problems in the system that must be addressed.
“This is not something we should ever see in our society,” one resident said. “But if what he is saying is true, then the authorities also have questions to answer.”
Community leaders have also called for stronger regulation of mortuary services, including regular inspections and enforcement of standards to ensure that human remains are treated with dignity.
The handling of corpses is a sensitive issue in Nigerian society, where cultural and religious beliefs place great importance on proper burial rites. Any form of disrespect to the dead is often met with strong reactions from the public.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to examine not only the actions of the mortician but also the broader system that may have contributed to the situation. This includes verifying the number of bodies allegedly abandoned and identifying those responsible.