The Zamfara state governor, Dauda Lawal, Wednesday, banned all forms of farming in cemeteries across the state with immediate effect.
He gave the directive during an inspection visit to one of the cemeteries in Gusau.
He said the practice of cultivating crops on burial grounds was no longer acceptable.
Governor Lawal also ordered that all existing crops already planted in cemeteries be destroyed without delay.
“Any person found farming inside a cemetery will have their crops destroyed immediately,” the governor warned.
He stated that the directive takes effect from the moment it was issued and must be complied with across all 14 local government areas of the state.
The governor stated that cemeteries are sacred public spaces meant to preserve the dignity and memory of the dead and using them for agricultural purposes desecrates the sites and violates cultural and religious values.
He urged traditional rulers, community leaders and relevant government agencies to ensure strict compliance and to sensitise residents on the new policy.
The governor’s office said monitoring teams will be deployed to ensure the order is enforced across the state.