Burial Disrupted: Families of 13 Benue Attack Victims Unable to Retrieve Bodies from Mortuary!

Reported by Marian opeyemi fasesan Editor -in- chief | Sele Media Africa.

The planned burial of 13 residents killed in a recent attack on the Turan community in Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, was abruptly cancelled on Thursday after grieving families were unable to retrieve the victims’ bodies from a mortuary.

Relatives who had gathered to collect the remains for burial reportedly discovered that mortuary staff were absent when they arrived, leaving the families stranded and forcing them to postpone the funeral rites.

Speaking to journalists, a relative of one of the victims, Bemgba Numve, described the situation as deeply distressing for the families who had already endured the trauma of the attack.

“We came to take the bodies for burial, but there was nobody at the mortuary to attend to us. We waited for hours without any explanation. It is painful because the families are already mourning,” Numve said.

The victims were among those killed in a recent violent assault on the Turan community, an incident that has heightened tensions and renewed concerns about insecurity in parts of Benue State. Communities in Kwande Local Government Area have repeatedly reported attacks linked to armed groups, leading to loss of lives, displacement of residents, and destruction of property.

Local leaders say the delay in burying the victims has compounded the emotional strain on families and the wider community. In many Nigerian communities, burial ceremonies are culturally significant and are often held promptly after death to allow families and communities to properly mourn their loved ones.

Security challenges in Benue State, particularly in rural areas, have drawn national attention in recent years. The state has frequently experienced clashes involving armed groups and farming communities, with several attacks reported across local government areas including Kwande, Guma, and Logo.

Authorities in Benue State have yet to issue an official statement regarding the mortuary situation that led to the burial postponement. Community members are now appealing to local officials to urgently intervene so the victims can be laid to rest with dignity.

The incident underscores the broader humanitarian and security challenges facing communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, where recurring violence continues to disrupt livelihoods and social stability.

Sources: Punch Newspapers, Daily Trust, Vanguard News, Premium Times, Channels Television.

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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