Operatives of the Benue State Police Command have arrested a mortuary attendant, identified simply as Amaobi, for allegedly desecrating a corpse in Agwabi community, Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State.
The suspect was apprehended on Friday after he was reportedly seen moving around the community with a human leg, which he allegedly removed from a body deposited in the mortuary where he works.
Sources told our correspondent that the disturbing incident came to light when the attendant allegedly took the body part to a nearby shop while attempting to purchase items, drawing shock and outrage from residents.
Angered by the development, some youths in the area reportedly accosted and restrained him before alerting security operatives, who later took him into custody.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect was said to have admitted to the act, claiming it was intended to attract public attention to challenges faced at the facility.
He reportedly stated that he was seeking assistance from authorities to address the presence of over 18 unclaimed bodies in the mortuary, said to have been deposited following security operations in the area last year.
Police authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but sources confirmed that investigations are ongoing.