The Jigawa Hisbah Board has urged residents of the state to ensure proper sanitation and maintenance of graveyards in their respective communities.

Ibrahim Dahiru, the Hisbah Commander, gave the charge in an interview on Saturday in Dutse.

Mr Dahiru said that graveyards were supposed to be a clean and sacred environment, free from any form of dirtiness, stressing that it must be properly secured, fenced to guard against trespass and encroachment.

The commander lamented the pathetic state of some of the graveyards, particularly in rural areas due to poor sanitation.

“It is worrisome that we are not giving the needed attention to the graveyards maintenance through regular sanitation to keep them tidy and clean.

“Some of the graveyards are outgrown by weeds, and this is why people only bury the dead during the day for fear of dangerous reptiles inhabiting them.

“There is a time when cattle are grazing in one of the cemeteries and they might destroy some of the graves,” he said.

According to him, people should endeavour to make graveyards better as it is their final resting place.

“At least residents should ensure they weed out grass three times a year in their respective graveyards,” he said.

Mr Dahiru also advocated for awareness creation activities to educate the people on good management of graveyards.

The commander stressed the need for community and religious leaders as well as the government to sensitise the people on the importance of sanitation in graveyards.

While urging wealthy individuals to assist in providing perimeter fencing of graveyards in their respective communities, Mr Dahiru urged the state and local governments to engage volunteers to protect it from encroachment.

(NAN)