The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services ordered the indefinite closure of St. John’s Hospital in Otukpo after uncovering severe violations of medical standards. Acting on complaints of unethical conduct, an enforcement team stormed the facility on Friday, sealing its doors and halting all services. The ministry’s spokesperson confirmed that the action follows a “substandard and unsafe environment” and blatant disregard for approved treatment protocols. ¹ ²
During the inspection, investigators discovered a particularly disturbing case: a female patient had reportedly undergone a double mastectomy on 25 November 2025 without the required clinical approvals. Health Commissioner Dr Paul Ogwuche described the procedure as “the removal of both breasts without adherence to established clinical guidelines,” underscoring the gravity of the alleged malpractice. ¹ ²
The operation was led by Dr Agbadu Joshua, Director of Medical Services, alongside Dr Alex Iorbo, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association’s Anti‑Quackery Committee, and desk officers from Otukpo and Gboko LGAs. The team’s findings prompted an immediate query to the hospital’s Medical Superintendent, who has been summoned for interrogation on Monday. ¹ ²
Dr Ogwuche emphasized that the shutdown is part of Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia’s aggressive campaign against quackery and substandard healthcare. “Any hospital or clinic caught endangering the lives of Benue people will be sealed without notice,” he warned, urging residents to report suspicious practices. The state has already closed another facility, St. Peter and Paul Community Health Centre in Lessel, for similar violations. ¹ ³
The commissioner reiterated the administration’s commitment to ethical, secure, and high‑quality healthcare across the state. He stressed that the government will not hesitate to have firm action against any facility endangering patient lives. ¹ ³
The recent closure marks the second major enforcement action in weeks, following the sealing of St. Peter and Paul Community Health Centre in Lessel. Authorities have urged the public to report any substandard medical services, reinforcing the state’s ongoing “health crackdown” to cleanse the sector of unsafe practices. ¹ ³