By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar ibn Umar Garbai El kanemi has appealed to Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State to help the people of Maiduguri metropolis by allocating land for a second cemetery within the state capital so as to decongest the old Gwange Main Cemetery which has been over stretched with burial since 1972 to date.
He added that the emirate Council is worried over the matter following series of complaints and appeals it has been receiving from the people which led to the council to direct for a survey to be carry out on the number of cemeteries in Maiduguri city with a view to addressing the matter.
The royal father made the appeal on Thursday at his place while addressing journalists.
He said the Gwange graveyard that is located almost in the center of the city centre has been in use for more than 72-years. He therefore called on the people to use other cemeteries within their wards instead of going long distance to the Gwange Main Cemetery.
“Based on that complaint (no where for burial at the Gwange graveyard), I directed my council to compile the list of all the existing and non-existing graveyards, by non-existing I mean the a abandoned ones, and bring them to me so that I will do something about it,” Shehu said
The traditional leader however lamented that in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere local government area alone, there are over one hundred and twenty six graveyards that have been either underused or abandoned but people keep on patronizing the Gwange graveyard for burials even from far distances
He also enjoined the state government and philanthropists to also provide basic facilities and needs for burial rites at the cemeteries to encourage people to use other cemeteries.
The royal father, however, warned that the continuous overuse and congestion of the Gwange graveyard will result to unhealthy situation thereby affecting the neighbourhoods.
The Shehu of Borno also commended Governor Zulum for the provision of basic infrastructural facilities and amenities in various communities and support to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the vulnerable across the state.
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