Police Inspector And Brother Arrested Over Benue Corpse Seizure Incident

A police inspector, Ogbu Clement, and his elder brother, Isawa Ogbu, have been arrested for allegedly leading more than 50 youths to seize a corpse and assault residents in the Otukpo area of Benue State. The Benue corpse seizure incidenthas raised questions about abuse of authority and community safety.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama shared details of the event in a post on X, noting that the confrontation began on November 28. According to him, Dr. Pius Onwe Odengle of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital was transporting his late mother’s body from Makurdi to Ogyoma Village for burial when the attack occurred.

At the Ogyoma Village junction, Inspector Clement, reportedly attached to Zone 7 Headquarters in Abuja, blocked the convoy with a group of youths from Adim Village. They allegedly vandalized a Benue State Civil Protection Guard truck, took the corpse by force, and buried it in Adim Village, claiming the deceased was their relative.

The Benue corpse seizure incident escalated the following morning. The inspector and his brother allegedly mobilized more youths to invade Ogyoma around 9:30 a.m., destroying homes, breaking windows and doors, damaging over 500 plastic chairs, and injuring several residents.

Security agencies responded quickly. The Benue State Civil Protection Guard, NSCDC Agro-Rangers, and units from Operation Whirl Stroke were deployed by the Divisional Police Officer in Otukpo. The injured were taken to the hospital, and evidence was documented at the scene.

Authorities confirmed that Inspector Clement and his brother are now in custody as investigations continue. The Benue corpse seizure incident has intensified calls for stronger oversight of security personnel and better mechanisms to prevent community violence.