Benue State Shuts 12 Illegal Clinics and Hospitals in Crackdown on Quackery

The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services has shut down 12 unregistered clinics and hospitals across Kwande, Ushongo, and Buruku Local Government Areas as part of a statewide crackdown on quack medical operators.

                                                                                                                                                                                                            

The enforcement exercise, carried out on Thursday, was led by Dr. Beatrice AondoNguemo Tsavmbu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, alongside top officials:

• Dr. Agbadu Iorbee Joshua – Director of Medical Services

• Mrs. Esther Menger – Director of Public Health

• Mr. Anyebe Boniface – Director of Medical Laboratory Sciences

Facilities Closed

In Buruku LGA:

• St. William Community Health Center, Abwa

• Ella Community Health Center, Tyowanye

In Ushongo LGA:

• De Poloo Community Health Center

• Uli Dispensary

• City Community Health Center

• Tomkenti Community Health Center

In Kwande LGA:

• Luter Clinic and Maternity, Ikyogen (accused of “harvesting lives like wildfire”)

• Akumator Tsaha Community Health Center

• Primary Health Center, Adagi

• Ahobee Memorial Hospital

• Divine Community Health Center

• Tor Chibee Community Health Center

Authorities cited:

• Unhygienic conditions

• Non-compliance with state health standards

• Lack of valid operating licenses

Dr. Tsavmbu condemned the rise of illegal health facilities, warning:

“Patronizing these centers is tantamount to embarking on a suicide mission.”

The operation aligns with Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s healthcare modernization agenda, which aims to strengthen and equip public health facilities across Benue State.

During the unscheduled inspections, the task force also commended Mbagen Community Hospital and Mbagen College of Health Technology in Abwa for upholding high public health standards.