The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services has sealed 12 unlicensed hospitals and clinics across Buruku, Ushongo, and Kwande Local Government Areas in a major clampdown on medical quackery.
The enforcement, led on Thursday by Permanent Secretary Dr. Beatrice AondoNguemo Tsavmbu, was carried out alongside senior officials including Director of Medical Services Dr. Agbadu Iorbee Joshua, Director of Public Health Mrs. Esther Menger, and Director of Medical Laboratory Sciences Mr. Anyebe Boniface.
In Buruku, Ella Community Health Centre, Tyowanye, and St. William Community Health Centre, Abwa, were closed.
In Ushongo, the sealed facilities included De Poloo Community Health Centre, Uli Dispensary, City Community Health Centre, and Tomkenti Community Health Centre.
In Kwande, Luter Clinic and Maternity in Ikyogen—flagged by residents for “harvesting lives like wildfire”—was shut down along with Akumator Tsaha Community Health Centre, Primary Health Centre Adagi, Ahobee Memorial Hospital, Divine Community Health Centre, and Tor Chibee Community Health Centre.
Authorities cited lack of operating licences, unsanitary conditions, and failure to comply with state health regulations as grounds for the closures.
Dr. Tsavmbu condemned the rise of illegal medical facilities, warning that “patronizing these centres is tantamount to embarking on a suicide mission.” She vowed the state government would eradicate quackery and protect public health.
She added that the operation is in line with Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s commitment to upgrade and equip public health centres across the state.
The inspection team also visited Mbagen College of Health Technology and Mbagen Community Hospital in Abwa, commending both institutions for maintaining high standards.