The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi, has appealed to Borno State governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, to direct residents to return to the abandoned 126 graveyards in various areas of Maiduguri and Jere local government areas of the State.
The monarch regretted that despite the existence of 126 graveyards in the two local government areas, residents have continued to bury their loved ones in Gwange cemetery only, which has existed for 74 years now.
He made the appeal in an interview with journalists on Thursday at his palace in Maiduguri.
He said right now there have been complaints from district heads, community and religious leaders that the Gwange graveyard has no space again, hence they are calling for new graveyards to bury the dead.
The Shehu said, “Based on their complaints, I have directed my council to compile all the existing and abandoned graveyards so that I can do something about the issue. And base on the report I received from my council, there are about 126 graveyards in the two local government areas.
“I am appealing to Governor Zulum to reopen the abandoned graveyards and possibly build new ones, and as well as provide boreholes in the graves. We want the governor to take the issue as a matter of concern.”
