The Borno State Government has announced the imminent closure of two major cemeteries in Maiduguri, the state capital city, citing overcrowding and associated health risks.
The affected cemeteries include the Gwange Muslim cemetery along Bama Road and the Christian cemetery located at Old GRA, both of which will be officially closed from September 1.
Mohammed Abubakar, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, made the announcement in a statement released on Thursday.
He explained that the decision was prompted by the severe congestion at the sites and the potential health hazards they pose to the surrounding communities. The move also follows recommendations from relevant stakeholders.
“The 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,” Abubakar stated.
To accommodate the burial needs of the residents, the government has designated new cemeteries. The 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.
Abubakar further reassured the public that the government is taking necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition. “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,” he said.
As part of the efforts to ease the transition, 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.
He concluded by assuring the people of Borno that both short and long-term measures will be implemented to address any concerns arising from the closure of the old cemeteries. “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,” the statement read.
