In a troubling incident in Kwande Local Government of Benue State, a mortuary attendant named MT Tiga was abducted by thugs on Thursday, directly impacting the planned mass burial for victims of a recent bandit attack. The attack, which occurred on March 5 in the communities of Tyungu Jam and Mbaav, resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries, highlighting the ongoing violence in the region. The absence of the mortuary attendant meant that families could not access the corpses of their loved ones, aggravating the already traumatic situation caused by the violence.

The abduction occurred at NKST Hospital where the corpses of the victims were stored, thereby preventing the planned mass burial ceremony that was supposed to take place on Thursday. This mass burial was to accommodate 11 victims and had drawn significant attention, with people and priests arriving from various localities to pay their respects. The incident underscores the significant insecurity faced in the area due to banditry, creating a crisis not only for the immediate families but also for the community at large, who are mourning the loss of lives.

Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings as “senseless and barbaric,” urging security forces to take decisive action against the bandits responsible. The situation reflects a broader pattern of violence and instability in northern Nigeria, suggesting that local authorities are struggling to maintain order and ensure the safety of their citizens amid rampant criminal activities. This incident raises serious questions about the effectiveness of security measures and the urgent need for a response to protect vulnerable communities from banditry and violence.