Govt shuts down Muslim, Christian cemeteries over health concerns

Borno State Government said it has shut down Gwange Muslim and Old GRA Christian cemeteries in Maiduguri, the state capital effective Sunday, 1st September, 2024.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Mohammed Lawan Abubakar stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday.

According to the Permanent Secretary, the decision was made due to the congestion of the cemeteries, as well as the attendant health hazards to the community.

He disclosed that the state government has arranged for the Muslim community to use the Dalori Cemetery along Bama Road, while the Christian community is 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”, he said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has purchased six (6) vehicles to assist the general public in conveying corpses to the designated graveyards.