Oyo issues seven-day ultimatum on unclaimed corpses, plans mass burial

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Government has issued a seven-day notice to relatives and next of kin of unclaimed corpses deposited in public hospital mortuaries across the state to come forward for identification and collection or risk having the bodies included in a mass burial exercise.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi. According to the commissioner, the decision became necessary due to the growing number of unclaimed corpses occupying mortuary spaces in public health facilities across the state.

She explained that many of the bodies were brought to the facilities by the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Correctional Service and other relevant agencies.

Ajetunmobi said the prolonged stay of the corpses has led to severe congestion in several mortuaries, with some facilities already operating at full capacity.

She urged members of the public, particularly those with missing relatives, to visit public hospital mortuaries for identification and possible claim of the bodies.

The commissioner also disclosed that arrangements had been concluded for a mass burial of all unclaimed corpses, which will take place seven days from the date of the notice.

She added that the move is aimed at ensuring the continued efficient operation of health facilities and maintaining acceptable public health standards across the state.

Ajetunmobi further reiterated the government’s commitment to effective healthcare management and called on affected families to act within the stipulated period.