Outrage as Public Cemeteries in Anambra Are Converted to Residential Buildings Amid Health Fears

Health professionals, civil society groups, and concerned residents in Anambra State have raised alarm over the conversion of public cemeteries into residential and religious properties, warning of severe environmental and health implications.

cemeteries located at Oraifite Street in Awada, Obosi (Idemili North LGA), and New Cemetery Road in Odoakpu (Onitsha North LGA) have been sold to private individuals who have since erected buildings without proper exhumation or reburial of human remains.

Despite multiple petitions submitted to the Anambra State Urban Development Board and the Ministries of Health and Environment, no decisive action has been taken, prompting concerns over potential disease outbreaks and pollution in these densely populated areas.

Ecologist Dr. Chinedu Ibeh described the trend as alarming, noting that many of these public cemeteries were originally government-owned lands set aside decades ago for burials. He explained that the failure to properly manage the human remains before development poses significant risks.

“Without proper relocation or reburial, decomposing bodies could contaminate soil and groundwater through embalming chemicals, leading to the transmission of diseases. There are also emotional, psychological, and cultural ramifications for those living in such areas,” Dr. Ibeh warned.

Civil society organisations, including the Campaign for Democracy and Human Rights Liberty Access and Peace Defenders’ Foundation, have condemned the trend, calling on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to urgently intervene.

Chief Uzor A. Uzor, who leads both organisations in the South-East, lamented that Onitsha now lacks any functional public cemetery, with the exception of one owned by the Muslim community along Modebe Avenue. He stressed that properties now occupying former cemeteries—some reportedly owned by major churches—should be revoked and returned to their original purpose.

“It is unacceptable that entire cemeteries have been sold to private individuals and religious institutions. Cemeteries on Oraifite Street and New Cemetery Road have been converted into homes and churches, despite their public significance and health risks,” Uzor said.

He added, “The government must act decisively. This is not just a planning failure; it’s a public health emergency waiting to happen.”

The secretary of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Paul Onuachara, confirmed the development and also appealed to the state government to take immediate action to reclaim the land.

“It’s true. We are also appealing to the Governor and Ministry of Lands to intervene urgently,” Onuachara said.

There are allegations that some government officials may be complicit in the sale of these lands, bypassing environmental protocols and prioritising personal gain over public safety.

When contacted, the Commissioner for Environment, Felix Odimegwu, redirected inquiries to the Ministry of Health, which oversees cemetery-related matters. However, attempts to reach the Health Commissioner, Dr. Afam Obidike, were unsuccessful as he failed to respond to calls and messages.