Businessman arrested in Benue after using human limb as ‘walking stick’

Residents of Agwabi in Buruku Local Government Area were left in shock on Friday morning after a local undertaker was arrested over a grisly public display involving human remains.

​The suspect, identified as Amaobi, who runs a local mortuary, was allegedly caught using the severed leg of a deceased person as a makeshift walking stick.

​The alarm was raised when Amaobi arrived at a local retail store to purchase items, casually leaning on the human limb. The spectacle immediately attracted a crowd of horrified spectators.

It was learned that local youths eventually intercepted the undertaker and detained him until security personnel arrived at the scene.

“Only God truly knows what he could have done to those bodies in secret,” observed Teresa Tule, an anguished resident who noted that Amaobi had worked in the community for a significant period.

He said locals informed the police about the incident and the suspect was transferred to Buruku Police Division for further questioning.

He said that during an initial interrogation by locals, Amaobi did not deny his actions, but said the stunt was a “demonstration” born of desperation.

Responding to questions, the undertaker said his mortuary is currently overcrowded with the remains of more than 18 suspected criminals killed by security forces last year.

According to Amaobi, the bodies have been “abandoned” in his facility for months.

He claimed police ignored his requests to evacuate, referring him to local government advice.

He further said that appeals to the Buruku Local Government Council chairman and the Ter Buruku (traditional ruler) would yield no results.

​Amaobi said he resorted to the gruesome display to “draw the government’s attention” to his situation and the deteriorating hygienic conditions at his workplace.

​When contacted for comment, Police Public Relations Officer, Edet Udeme, said she had not yet received the full report but promised to provide a formal update once details were confirmed.

​The incident has raised serious questions about the management of morgues in the area and the protocols for handling unclaimed remains resulting from security operations.