Shehu of Borno Raises Concerns Over Health Hazards at Overused Cemetery
The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi, has sounded an alarm regarding the health risks posed by the excessive use of the central cemetery in Maiduguri, the state capital. Addressing journalists in his palace on Thursday, the Shehu highlighted the urgency of the situation. “The Gwange cemetery, established in 1950, has been consistently overused despite the presence of 126 cemeteries within Maiduguri and its environs,” he stated.
Expressing his concerns, the Shehu appealed to Governor Babagana Zulum to take action by providing water and fencing for the alternative cemeteries. “The overuse of the graveyard presents significant health challenges,” he emphasized.
Highlighting the extensive network of graveyards in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere local government areas, the Shehu revealed that there are 16, 33, and 7 graveyards in Maisandari, Khaddamari, and Dala respectively.
The monarch further disclosed receiving complaints from district heads, villages, and ward heads regarding the issue. He urged the public to utilize the other cemeteries to alleviate the strain on Gwange cemetery, emphasizing the grave health threat it poses.
In addition to addressing the cemetery issue, the Shehu called upon the people of the state to continue praying for peace in the region and the country as a whole.
