Residents of Akamkpa Local Government Area in Cross River State were thrown into shock this week after the Nigeria Police uncovered an illegal mortuary operating secretly within the community. The disturbing discovery has raised serious concerns about public health and safety in the state.
The illegal mortuary was reportedly discovered during a police operation in the area. According to sources, several dead bodies were found inside the building. Some of the bodies had already been embalmed and were seen resting against the walls of the structure. The scene was described by witnesses as disturbing and difficult to look at.
The operator of the mortuary was immediately arrested by the police. During questioning, he reportedly admitted that he had been running the facility without approval from any government authority. He also confessed that even the owner of the land where the building was located did not know it was being used as a mortuary.
Police authorities have not yet released the identity of the suspect, but investigations are ongoing. Officers say the case highlights a growing problem of unregistered mortuaries operating in different parts of the country without proper supervision.
Akamkpa Local Government Area is one of the largest LGAs in Cross River State, with many rural communities. Residents say they were unaware that such an operation was taking place in their area. Some community members expressed fear that the illegal mortuary may have been operating for a long time without detection.
Health officials say illegal mortuaries pose serious risks to public health. Mortuaries are expected to meet strict standards set by state health ministries and environmental agencies. These standards are meant to ensure that bodies are handled safely and that communities are protected from diseases.
In Nigeria, mortuaries must be registered with the appropriate authorities. They are also required to follow guidelines on sanitation, storage of bodies, waste disposal, and record keeping. These rules are designed to prevent the spread of infections and to protect both workers and residents living nearby.
When a mortuary operates without government approval, there is no guarantee that it follows these safety measures. Experts warn that improper handling of dead bodies can lead to contamination of water sources and the spread of harmful bacteria. In rural areas where access to clean water is already limited, such risks can be even more serious.
Public health officers in Cross River State have often carried out inspections of licensed mortuaries to ensure compliance with safety standards. However, illegal facilities are difficult to track because they operate in secret. Officials fear that there may be other unregistered mortuaries not only in Cross River State but also across other states in Nigeria.
Nigeria has 36 states and many local government areas. Monitoring every private health-related facility can be challenging, especially in remote communities. This situation has led to calls for stronger surveillance and better cooperation between local authorities, community leaders, and security agencies.
Residents of Akamkpa have called on the state government to investigate whether other illegal health facilities are operating in the area. They also want stricter penalties for anyone found guilty of putting public health at risk.
Following the discovery, police authorities in Cross River State assured residents that action will be taken against illegal operations. They urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities within their communities.
The arrest of the mortuary operator has sparked debate about why some individuals choose to run such businesses without approval. Mortuary services are often in demand in many parts of Nigeria, especially where families prefer to keep bodies for extended periods before burial due to cultural or religious practices. However, this demand does not remove the need for proper regulation.
Setting up a mortuary requires approval from state health authorities, environmental agencies, and local government officials. There are also requirements for proper buildings, refrigeration systems, and trained staff. Running such a facility without meeting these standards is a violation of the law.
Community leaders in Akamkpa say they were surprised by the discovery. Some have promised to work more closely with security agencies to ensure that such incidents do not happen again. They believe stronger community awareness can help prevent illegal operations from taking root.
The Cross River State Government has yet to issue a detailed public statement on the incident. However, sources within the health sector say an inspection team may be set up to review mortuary operations across the state.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper regulation in the health sector. While private businesses play an important role in providing services, they must operate within the law to protect citizens.