By Sam Kaye
Due to congestion of corpses being experienced in its main cemeteries in Maiduguri, the Borno State Government has shut down the burial grounds with effect from 1st September directing residents to alternative resting places for their loved ones.
A statement signed by the permanent secretary ministry of religious affairs Mohammad Abubakar stated that Christians will now bury their loved ones in the Baga road cemetery by the correctional centre while muslims will move to the Dalori cemetery.
The statement stated that the government “wishes to inform the general public of the closure of the Gwange Muslim Cemetery along Bama Road and the Christian Cemetery at Old G.R.A., Maiduguri, effective Sunday, 1st September 2024.
“This decision has been made due to the congestion of the cemeteries, the attendant health hazards to the community, and earlier recommendations made to the government by relevant stakeholders.
“The government has arranged for the Muslim community to use the Dalori Cemetery along Bama Road, while the Christian community are to use the Maximum Security Christian Cemetery off Baga Road, Maiduguri.
“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.” Said Abubakar
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has purchased six vehicles to assist the general public in conveying corpses to the designated graveyards, and plans are underway to purchase more vehicles in the near future.