By BOLU-OLU ESHO

Families who keep bodies of their aged parents, uncles and aunts in government morgues in Ondo State have been given one month ultimatum to withdraw and bury them.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu handed down the ultimatum through a official circular date April 30, 2020.

State Commissioner for Health, Dr Wahab Adegbenro, who confirmed the directive, explained that all morgues in government hospitals in the state were congested.

He emphasized that if the bodies were not withdrawn by families who deposited them in the morgues, it could could cause environmental hazards.

The circular warned that bodies that were not claimed from the morgues within the stipulated time would be given mass burial.

Dr Adegbenro noted that though government was in support of conservation of culture and traditions as well as conscious of the feelings of the people about their loved ones, the measure handed down by the government was in the overall interest of all.

He explained that government had not suspended burial of loved ones, he noted those who wish to must adhere strictly to the Covid 19 precautionary measures.

The commissioner said: “Burial rites and services must be held at the grave side with not more than 20 people in attendance, social distancing rule must be obeyed to the letter.” (Saturday Independent)