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The Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) in Makurdi has marked a significant medical achievement with the successful fitting of its first body-powered transhumeral prosthetic arm for a survivor of a herdsmen attack. The milestone procedure was performed on Mrs. Blessing Agidi, a victim of armed herdsmen violence, representing a major step forward in prosthetic and rehabilitative care in the region.
The intervention was generously sponsored by Her Royal Majesty, Prof. Felicia Ayatse, the Wife of the Tor Tiv, underscoring the role of compassionate leadership and community support in expanding access to advanced medical solutions. Hospital officials described the successful fitting as a breakthrough for BSUTH, reflecting its growing capacity to deliver specialized care that meets international standards.
According to BSUTH’s Head of Public Relations, Mr. Moses Tsenzughul, the procedure highlights the hospital’s commitment to building robust clinical services and enhancing quality of life for patients affected by conflict-related injuries. The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Stephen Hwande, praised the state government, led by Governor Hyacinth Alia, for investing in upgraded medical infrastructure that is helping BSUTH evolve into a centre for specialised treatment and even medical tourism.
Dr. Hwande also acknowledged Prof. Ayatse’s sponsorship as a compassionate and transformative contribution that will extend hope and opportunity to vulnerable individuals in need of rehabilitative care.
BSUTH is partnering with the Ishk Tolaram Foundation (ITF) — a Lagos-based NGO — to expand prosthetic services in the region. Through this collaboration, more than 300 individuals have already been identified for support, and the hospital is actively recruiting specialised personnel with the goal of establishing a dedicated prosthetics department.
An emotional Mrs. Agidi, who hails from Logo Local Government Area, expressed heartfelt gratitude to her sponsor, the medical team, and hospital management. She described receiving her prosthetic arm as “a new beginning,” and voiced her hope that many others requiring similar support will also have access to life-changing care.
This achievement at BSUTH not only restores physical function but also signals a growing commitment to rehabilitation and inclusive healthcare — offering renewed dignity and possibility for individuals impacted by violence and disability.
