MAKURDI, Nigeria (FN) — Tension has spread across Ogbadibo and Okpokwu Local Government Areas of Benue State following the death of a 54-year-old woman from Lassa fever, confirmed at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
The woman, a native of Ogbadibo LGA, died on Sunday after laboratory tests verified she had contracted the virus. Her remains were initially taken to a private morgue in Ugbokolo, Okpokwu LGA, but burial preparations were disrupted when agitated youths reportedly seized the body, fearing further spread of the disease.
Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Resources, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, confirmed the incident on Thursday and said he personally led a high-level medical team to trace contacts of individuals who interacted with the deceased prior to her death.
“The Ministry of Health has activated surveillance and contact tracing protocols in the affected communities,” Ogwuche said. “We are working to contain any possible spread and reassure the public.”
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reports that Benue has recorded 243 suspected Lassa fever cases in 2025, with 13 fatalities. Nationwide, 172 deaths have been confirmed across 21 states this year, with Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi accounting for 90% of cases.
Local residents expressed fear and confusion, with some calling for mass testing and temporary restrictions on public gatherings. Others criticized the handling of the burial, saying it lacked proper safety protocols. Community leaders urged calm and cooperation with health officials.
In a tribute posted on social media, the deceased was described by family members as “a devoted mother, caregiver, and pillar of strength in her community.” Her eldest son, Emmanuel, wrote, “She gave everything to ensure others were safe and cared for. It’s painful that she died from a disease she feared most.”
The state government, in partnership with the World Health Organization, launched a community intervention project in August focused on rodent control, sanitation, and public education in Lassa fever hotspots.
Health officials urge residents to avoid contact with rodents, maintain clean environments, and report symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and bleeding to the nearest health facility.
Dr. Ogwuche emphasized that early detection and treatment are critical. “We are intensifying awareness campaigns and deploying medical teams to monitor and respond swiftly,” he said. The woman’s death has reignited concerns about Nigeria’s preparedness for viral outbreaks, especially in rural communities with limited access to healthcare.
