Vandals suspected to be corpse snatchers have attacked an embattled ‘mortuary’ where over 20 mummified bodies were discovered in Benin City, last August.
This was revealed when a crime correspondent fact-checked information received about the site along Asoro Slope, Ekehuan Road, Uzebu Quarters in Benin City, Edo State capital, last week.
It was however not clear if the vandals gained access and removed any valuables from the facility.
A man seen before the building revealed that he does know the exact date the attack was launched.
He said he discovered the invasion shortly after he chased away two scavengers (Aboki) sighted in the bushy premises, a few weeks ago.
“Na the thieves break (pointing towards the ‘mortuary’) that window glass. Whether dem fit pass there enter inside, I don’t know”, he explained.
A close look at the scene revealed complete damage to the tinted window glass thereby exposing a part of the apartment.
It was also observed that the ‘mortuary’ has been covered with tall grasses.
Sources said the facility has not been visited, or opened by the owner or government officials since last year.
“Oga, if not that some people work around here, some people for don bungle the building.
“Police and Edo State Security Network personnel dey guard the building that time the matter dey hot. Where dem now?
“This place is returning to the forest it was before the man bought the land. I nor think say government remember this matter again oh,” a casket seller stated.
Investigation revealed that the over 20 mummified bodies may have been relocated from the embattled facility.
Contacted, the Public Relations Officer, Edo State Police Command, SP Chidi Nwabuzor said the police conducted a discreet investigation and charged the case to court.
“The building, premises and the bodies are now under the case of the Edo State government, you may check Ministry of Health.
“I am aware that the suspect is on court administrative bail”, he said.
Attempts to obtain comments from the permanent secretary, Edo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Stanley Ehiarimwian, failed.
He requested a rescheduled visit for another day as he had other engagements.
It would be recalled that over 20 mummified bodies were discovered in the building by operatives of Edo State Police Command on August 17, 2022.
The police tagged the building “a ritualists den”, attracting wild condemnations from the public especially active social media users.
Police arrested some persons while the owner identified as one Chukwu Otu, a.k.a St. Gabriel Funeral Home eventually turned himself in to the police days after he was reported to be on the run.
Investigation revealed that he was remanded and granted bail a few months after.
Attempts to reach St. Gabriel Chukwu Otu with a view to finding out if the court restrained him and his agents from entering the facility pending the determination of the case, failed.
When contacted, his lawyer Barr. Leonard Osa-Uwagie said he is not aware of any restraining order.
He said that at the wake of the crisis operatives of Edo State Police Command sealed the facility and ever since, his client does not have access to it.
