Borno to close ‘congested cemeteries’ over health risks

The Borno government has announced the closure of two major cemeteries in Maiduguri, the state capital, over congestion and health risks.

In a statement on Thursday, Mohammed Abubakar, permanent secretary of the ministry of religious affairs, said the Gwange Muslim cemetery along Bama Road and the Christian cemetery at Old GRA would be closed effective September 1.

He added that the government has designated the Dalori cemetery along Bama Road for the Muslim community, and the Maximum Security Christian cemetery off Baga Road for the Christian community.

The secretary assured the public that adequate arrangements would be made in the short and long term to address all concerns related to the closures.

He said the ministry has purchased six vehicles to facilitate the transportation of corpses to the new burial sites, with plans to acquire more in the near future.

“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 statement reads.

“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.”