Author: Sebastian Akaho-Tay

Concerns have been raised by residents over the inadequate lighting systems and careless security measures at Tafo cemetery, which are facilitating criminal activities by unscrupulous individuals invading the enclave.

Residents in the area are increasingly worried about the ongoing threat to the sanctity of graves, with reports of grave looting and ritualistic activities becoming more frequent.

Mohammed Rabiu, alongside his colleagues, regularly dig graves at Tafo cemetery and are witness to the disturbing trend.

Located on expansive grounds, Tafo cemetery is the largest in the region, with separate sections for Muslim and Christian burials.

In addition to grave digging, Mohammed Rabiu and his team are responsible for the upkeep of the cemetery.

Mr. Rabiu told Citi News in an interview on Monday that “The individuals perpetrating illegal activities here are those who come to perform rituals at the cemetery. We have not caught anyone picking body parts from the graves. Some visit their fetish priest or other soothsayers and are instructed to bury items at the cemetery; we have caught several of them. Some bring in fowls and slaughter them on the graves, which is not helpful.”

“Even if they had prepared those things at home for their children, it would have been better. We cover up such things when we find them at the graves. Some kill and take body parts, while others are instructed to come and collect parts here because the evildoers are everywhere, and they carry out these crimes on our blind side.”

Rabiu emphasized the need for enhanced vigilance, especially at night, as grave looters and ritualists often target the cemetery under the cover of darkness.

He highlighted incidents of ritualistic activities, including the defacement of graves and the removal of human remains for illicit purposes.

While Rabiu denies any involvement in such acts, he acknowledges the challenges faced in maintaining security at the cemetery.

“It is not possible to come to us and request a body part at this cemetery. Even if people come, the boys will inform the elders here, and we will hand over such individuals to the police. When they are taken to the police station, they will be questioned if this is an abattoir where meat is sold. We bury people here, and we do not entertain requests for body parts,” he said.

He stressed the importance of improved lighting to deter wrongdoers and protect the sanctity of the graves.

“The initiative to enhance the lighting situation at the cemetery will help address these concerns and ward off people with evil intentions. The public should come and help so that their relatives who are brought here for burial will also have a safe resting place. The wrongdoers are everywhere, and they search for body parts to use for money rituals. These individuals must understand that what they do to others will be done to them too, one day.

“When there is enhanced lighting, it will help to brighten up the places. Our Muslim brothers in collaboration with the traditional authorities have constantly cleared the bushy area and that results in the reduction of some negative activities at the cemetery,” he stated.

Efforts are being made to address these concerns, with calls from residents and workers near the cemetery for enhanced security measures.

The public is urged to support initiatives aimed at safeguarding the resting place of their loved ones and deterring those with malicious intentions.