Generational Dedication: The Abdullahi Family's Five Decades of Volunteering in Kaduna's Cemetery

For five decades, the Abdullahi family has tirelessly served the Tudun Wada Cemetery in Kaduna without formal compensation until recently, showcasing an unwavering commitment to their community, even during times of tension and violence. The new local council chairman has started providing salaries, acknowledging their significant contributions and dedication.

For more than 50 years, the Abdullahi family has been the backbone of the Tudun Wada Cemetery, the largest graveyard for Muslims in Kaduna, Nigeria. Their commitment has garnered gratitude from local residents who typically shy away from the arduous task of grave-digging and preparing bodies for burial. Until just weeks ago, their service was purely voluntary, supported by meager donations from bereaved families.

The cemetery, established over a century ago, became home to the Abdullahi family's legacy following the involvement of two brothers, Ibrahim and Adamu, in the 1970s. Unfortunately, both brothers have since passed away and now rest in the same soil they once tended. Their children carry on their mission, led by Ibrahim's eldest son, Magaji Abdullahi.

Magaji explains that their guiding principle has been the belief that serving others brings divine rewards, despite the absence of monetary gain. His two cousins, Abdullahi and Aliyu, work alongside him, each managing the operational tasks of the cemetery with rigor. They are punctual at 7 a.m., remaining on-call to conduct burials within hours of a death, in line with Islamic customs.

The labor-intensive process of digging graves can take at least an hour, often requiring the strength of two individuals to reach the requisite depth of six feet. On particularly busy days, as many as a dozen graves may need to be excavated under the relentless Kaduna sun. "Today alone we have dug eight graves before noon," recounts Abdullahi, who started working at the cemetery at just 20 years old.

The cousins have had their share of upheaval, especially in times of religious conflicts between the city's Christian and Muslim populations. During one particularly harrowing episode in the early 1990s, Magaji was compelled to collect and transport corpses to their final resting places, a situation that reinforced his dedication to the familial role.

As funerals typically occur on the same day as a death, many mourners often visit the cemetery after the prayers at the local mosque. Following the burial rituals, the Abdullahi family members appeal for donations, conducted by the oldest worker, 72-year-old Inuwa Mohammed, who highlights the family's importance within the community.

Despite the challenges—including inadequate equipment and security—plans are now in motion to improve conditions at Tudun Wada Cemetery, aided by the newly appointed local council chairman. His decision to formalize their employment with monthly salaries is seen as long-overdue recognition for their hard work.

Although the monthly pay, which is significantly below Nigeria's minimum wage, marks a significant change for the Abdullahi family, there are hopes of further increases in the future. The chairman also has ambitions to enhance the graveyard's facilities, including creating a designated space for preparing bodies prior to funerals.

The Abdullahi family's commitment to the cemetery industry is not just about the work—it signifies a multi-generational dedication to community service. With aspirations that one of Magaji's 23 children may continue the family legacy, their altruistic effort endures amidst evolving circumstances.