Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Borno State, Mohammed Abubukar, has announced the imminent closure of two major cemeteries in Maiduguri, the state capital, citing overcrowding and associated health risks.
The affected cemeteries include Gwange Muslim cemetery along Bama Road and the Christian cemetery located at Old GRA, both of which will be officially closed from September 1.
He made the announcement in a statement released yesterday in Maiduguri, explaining that the decision was prompted by severe congestion at the sites and the potential health hazards they pose to the surrounding communities. The move also followed recommendations from relevant stakeholders.
According to him, “the decision was made due to congestion of the cemeteries, attendant health hazards to the community, and earlier recommendations made to government by relevant stakeholders.”
To accommodate the burial needs of residents, government has designated new cemeteries. Dalori cemetery along Bama Road will now serve the Muslim community, while the Maximum Security Christian cemetery off Baga Road has been allocated for the Christian community.
The statement reassured that government is taking the necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition.
“Borno State government is committed to ensuring that more burial sites are opened as the town expands in line with the Government Development Plan,” he said.
He assured the people that both short and long-term measures will be implemented to address any concerns arising from the closure of the old cemeteries. “Government assures the good people of the state that adequate arrangements will be made in the short and long term to address all concerns,” the statement
The ministry has acquired six vehicles to facilitate the transportation of corpses to the new burial sites. “We have plans to acquire more vehicles in the near future,” Abubakar added.
