The Borno State Government has said it has shut down Gwange Muslim and Old GRA Christian cemeteries in Maiduguri, to be effective as from Sunday, 1st September, 2024.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Mohammed Lawan Abubakar had made this announcement through a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to the Permanent Secretary, the decision was arrived at due to the overcrowding of the cemeteries, and the consequent health hazards to the community.
The Permanent Secretary further disclosed that the state government had concluded arrangements for the Muslim community to use the Dalori Cemetery along Bama Road, while the Christian community would be use the Maximum Security Christian Cemetery off Baga Road, Maiduguri.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has bought six (6) vehicles to assist the general public in carrying corpses to the highlighted graveyards.
What They’re Saying
In the Permanent Secretary’s words, “The Borno State Government is committed to ensuring that more burial sites are opened as the town expands in line with the Government Development Plan.
“The government assures the good people of the state that adequate arrangements will be made in the short and long term to address all concerns”, he finished.