UCTH Schedules Mass Burial for Unclaimed Corpses in 2026
The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) has announced a mass burial for unclaimed corpses on October 21, 2026. This decision follows a three-week grace period for relatives to identify and claim the bodies, which have been in the mortuary, some for over ten years.
Dr David Ushie, Chairman of the Special Task Force on the Evacuation of Abandoned and Unclaimed Corpses, stated that any bodies remaining unclaimed after the deadline will be buried without further notice. Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, Chief Medical Director of UCTH, attributed the rising number of unclaimed corpses to the high costs of burial ceremonies and cultural practices.
He emphasized that the directive applies to corpses that have exceeded the statutory 90-day period from the date of deposit. The task force was inaugurated on September 29, 2026, to address the issue and improve sanitation in the mortuary.
The hospital management has urged the public to take advantage of the grace period to claim any missing or deceased relatives.
Plus234Feed summary based on reporting from Nigerian Tribune. Read the original report below.
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