The Borno State Government has commenced urgent rehabilitation works at the Zajiri graveyard in Maiduguri following severe flood damage caused by heavy rainfall on Wednesday morning.
The torrential downpour led to the collapse of part of the cemetery’s perimeter fence, flooding the grounds and leaving about 90 percent of the graves exposed.
Hon. Babagana Malarima, Commissioner for Religious Affairs, whose ministry oversees public cemeteries in the state, visited the site to assess the damage and immediately directed the reconstruction of the fence and provision of sand to cover the affected graves.
“The final resting place of the departed must be respected,” Malarima said. “The administration of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum is always there for its people, and this swift response is a testament to that commitment.”
He commended local residents who initially responded to the emergency by covering some of the exposed graves, noting that community effort played a crucial role before the government’s arrival.
Malarima also singled out Hon. Habu Kale Tijjani Yajiwa, a senior technical assistant to Governor Zulum and community leader, for his prompt action in alerting the ministry to the incident.
“Instead of posting misinformation on social media, Hon. Yajiwa immediately contacted the appropriate government agency,” Malarima stated. “This is the kind of responsible citizenship we appreciate and encourage.”
Speaking on behalf of the community, Yajiwa expressed gratitude for the prompt intervention by the state government and praised the Commissioner’s swift visit and decisive actions.
The Commissioner was accompanied during the visit by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Hon. Hassan Abdallah; Director of Finance and Accounts, Hon. Ali Umar Arrow; and other senior officials.
Rehabilitation efforts are ongoing, and the ministry has assured the public that all affected graves will be properly secured and restored.
