Fear rocks Imo community as hundreds of decomposing bodies found in hidden, illegal mortuary

A disturbing scene unfolded in Imo State after authorities uncovered hundreds of dead bodies inside an unregistered, dilapidated mortuary secretly operating in a bushy, isolated area of Ngor Okpalla Local Government Area.

Many of the bodies were found in advanced stages of decomposition, with several showing signs of mutilation, raising strong suspicions of possible organ harvesting or other criminal activities. The gruesome discovery has sent shockwaves through the state, prompting urgent calls for deeper investigation.

Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, who personally led security operatives to the site on Saturday, said the breakthrough came after an actionable intelligence report. He noted that the facility had been operating without any form of registration, oversight, or medical authorization.

“We received an intelligence report that this place was used for organ harvesting,” he stated, urging families with missing relatives to check for possible identification. “We will arrest the suspect; we have already declared him wanted.”

Danjuma noted that the state government is considering a mass burial because of public health concerns and may demolish the structure once proper legal processes are completed.

“We may soon organise a mass burial because it is constituting a health hazard to the entire village,” he said.

Imo State Health Commissioner, Dr. Chioma Egu, who inspected the site on the governor’s directive, confirmed it had no official registration. “We found hundreds of dead bodies, decomposed and not taken care of. There is nothing to show this place is a mortuary,” she said, describing the location as a serious health risk.

A pathologist from Imo State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Ibeaja, also reviewed the remains and observed that they were under “unfair preservation,” with no attempts made to properly maintain the bodies.

The chairman of Ngor Okpalla Local Government Area, Mrs. Chika Ibekwe, urged residents to come forward for identification before the anticipated mass burial and eventual demolition of the facility.