Posted by Chinenye on Thu 15th Oct, 2026 - tori.ng
More than 50 bodies have remained unclaimed at a teaching hospital for over a decade, and now the hospital is preparing to take a major step.
(UCTH. Photo by Daily Post)
The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital says more than 50 bodies have been sitting in its morgues for over 10 years, far longer than the 90 day legal limit.
The mortuary is full, and relatives have not come forward to claim them.
Dr David Ushie, chairman of the special task force on the evacuation of unclaimed corpses, said a mass burial will take place on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, after a three week grace period.
Families who have an unclaimed body are urged to collect it on or before that date.
The hospital says it tried to trace relatives without success and will not issue another notice before the burial.
Dr Stephen Ogbudu, deputy chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, spoke for the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme.
He blamed the rising cost of burials and cultural demands that put heavy financial pressure on families.
He said the evacuation is needed to free up space, improve sanitation and make the environment better for patients.