The Jigawa Hisbah Board has urged state residents to ensure proper sanitation and upkeep of graveyards in their respective communities.
The charge was given by Malam Ibrahim Dahiru, the Hisbah Commander, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Dutse.
Dahiru stated that graveyards were supposed to be a clean and sacred environment, free of dirt, and that they must be properly secured, fenced to prevent trespass and encroachment.
The commander bemoaned the deplorable condition of some of the graveyards, particularly in rural areas due to poor sanitation.
“It’s concerning that we aren’t paying enough attention to graveyard maintenance, such as regular sanitation, to keep them tidy and clean.”
“Some of the graveyards have been overrun by weeds, which is why people only bury the dead during the day for fear of dangerous reptiles living in them.”
“There are times when cattle graze in one of the cemeteries and they may destroy some of the graves,” he explained.
People, he believes, should strive to improve graveyards because it is their final resting place.
“At the very least, residents should ensure that grass is weeded out three times a year in their respective graveyards,” he said.
Dahiru also advocated for awareness-raising activities to educate people about proper graveyard management.
The Commander emphasized the importance of community and religious leaders, as well as government, educating the public about the importance of graveyard sanitation.
Dahiru urged the state and local governments to engage volunteers to protect graveyards from encroachment while urging wealthy individuals to assist in providing perimeter fencing in their respective communities.