UCTH Gives October 21 Ultimatum Over Unclaimed Corpses, Announces Mass Burial

CALABAR – The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) has given relatives and depositors until October 21, 2026, to claim unclaimed corpses in its mortuary or face mass burial.

The hospital issued the ultimatum in a public notice dated September 30, 2026, announcing plans to evacuate and conduct the mass burial of abandoned and unclaimed corpses.

According to the notice, the affected corpses have remained in the hospital mortuary beyond the statutory 90-day period from the date of deposition without being claimed or recovered by relatives or depositors.

UCTH Management said the prolonged retention of the corpses had caused congestion within the mortuary and placed considerable pressure on available space and facilities.

“The continued retention has resulted in congestion within the Hospital Mortuary, placing considerable pressure on the available mortuary space and facilities,” the notice stated.

Management explained that the evacuation had become necessary to ensure proper mortuary management, maintain appropriate standards of care and service delivery, and address the congestion within the facility.

The hospital, however, acknowledged the sensitive nature of the exercise and expressed sympathy to families and loved ones who may be affected.

“Management recognises the sensitivity and emotional nature of this exercise and sincerely sympathises with families and loved ones who may be affected,” the notice stated.

It consequently advised depositors of affected corpses to come forward and recover them within the stipulated period.

The hospital warned that all unclaimed corpses after October 21, 2026, shall be evacuated for mass burial without further notice.

The notice was signed by the management of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar.

The announcement places the responsibility on relatives and depositors with affected corpses to contact the hospital and complete the necessary recovery process before the stated deadline.