The Abdullahi Family: Guardians of the Tudun Wada Cemetery in Kaduna

For over 50 years, the Abdullahi family has been the unsung guardian of one of Nigeria’s largest graveyards — the Tudun Wada Cemetery in Kaduna, northern Nigeria. Their dedication to caring for the cemetery, a sacred site set aside for the Muslim residents of the city, is both profound and humbling. What began as a voluntary duty by two brothers in the 1970s has now become a multi-generational family service that spans over five decades.

A Legacy of Service

In the 1970s, two brothers, Ibrahim and Adamu Abdullahi, took on the responsibility of managing the vast Tudun Wada Cemetery. They dug graves, washed the bodies of the deceased, and maintained the cemetery grounds. Their work was driven not by financial gain, but by a deep sense of duty and faith. They were guided by the belief that God would reward them for their selfless service, even without worldly compensation.

Sadly, both Ibrahim and Adamu now rest beneath the very cemetery they cared for, but their legacy lives on through their children. Magaji, Ibrahim’s eldest son, has taken the lead in overseeing operations at the cemetery. Alongside him are his two cousins, Abdullahi and Aliyu — sons of Adamu. The family continues to maintain the cemetery with the same dedication as their fathers, ensuring that the graveyard remains a dignified resting place for the community’s departed.

From Volunteers to Full-Time Workers

For many years, the Abdullahi family continued the work without formal pay, relying instead on small donations from mourners. It wasn’t until recently that they transitioned into full-time workers. The family’s dedication to the cemetery is not only a matter of tradition but also a way to honor the teachings passed down from their fathers. “Their teachings to us were that God loves the service and would reward us for it, even if we don’t get any worldly gains,” said Magaji.

Now, the Abdullahi family oversees a team of 18 workers, but it is Magaji, Abdullahi, and Aliyu who are the three full-time workers, managing the cemetery’s day-to-day operations. They begin their shifts at 7:00 AM and work tirelessly for 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Their responsibility is immense — every burial must take place within hours of death, in accordance with Muslim rites.

A Sacred Role

The work of the Abdullahi family is not for the faint-hearted. Dealing with the dead is a solemn task, and it is one that the family embraces with humility and devotion. “The job is not easy,” Magaji says. “We work in the sun, under tough conditions, but we are proud of the work we do because it’s for the sake of God.”

The cemetery itself, located in a busy part of Kaduna, is a sprawling site that holds the remains of countless residents, some of whom were laid to rest a century ago. Despite the challenges of managing such a vast area, the Abdullahi family ensures that the cemetery remains clean, well-maintained, and respected.

Their commitment is something that the local residents greatly appreciate. Many are grateful that a family has taken up the noble and often difficult role of handling the burial process, as it is a task that most people would rather avoid.

The Future of Tudun Wada Cemetery

As the custodians of the Tudun Wada Cemetery, the Abdullahi family faces a unique challenge. They not only have to maintain the graveyard but also preserve its legacy for future generations. The Abdullahi children are already learning the values of their forefathers, ensuring that this family’s service to the community will continue for many years to come.

The family’s dedication and sacrifice have earned them the respect and admiration of the people of Kaduna, but for them, the true reward lies in the belief that their work is pleasing to God. Through this unwavering commitment to their faith and to the community, the Abdullahi family has left an indelible mark on the history of the Tudun Wada Cemetery, cementing their place as guardians of both the dead and the living.

The Abdullahi Family: A Call to Serve at Kaduna’s Tudun Wada Cemetery

The Abdullahi family’s dedication to the Tudun Wada Cemetery in Kaduna goes beyond just maintaining the graveyard; it is a life of service, guided by tradition and the belief in divine reward. Every day, without fail, the family is on call, ready to attend to the needs of the deceased and the mourning families who rely on them.

Always On Call

Magaji, the 58-year-old head of the family’s cemetery operations, is often the first to receive the call whenever someone passes away. His mobile phone number is known by a vast network, including relatives, local residents, and imams (religious clerics). “A lot of people have our numbers, and as soon as someone dies, we get a call, and immediately we get to work,” Magaji explains.

Once a death is confirmed, one of the three full-time workers — Magaji, Abdullahi, or Aliyu — heads to tend to the body. The process of preparing the deceased for burial is meticulous: washing the body, wrapping it in a simple white shroud, and then measuring it. These details are then sent by text message to the others, who begin digging the grave in preparation.

The Hard Work of Digging Graves

Digging a grave is no small task. With each grave needing to be 6 feet (1.8 meters) deep, the Abdullahi cousins take turns, working tirelessly with pickaxes and shovels to carve through the earth. In some areas, the digging is especially difficult, as the ground is rocky and unforgiving. The process can take up to an hour for each grave, and on hot days in the blistering Kaduna heat, it becomes even more grueling.

Despite these challenges, the family often digs up to a dozen graves in a single day. “Today alone, we have dug eight graves and it’s not even noon,” says Abdullahi, one of Magaji’s younger cousins. “Some days are like that,” he adds, underscoring the physical demands of the job.

Stressful Times Amid Religious Tensions

The work of the Abdullahi family has not always been easy. One of the most stressful times in their service came during periods of religious violence in Kaduna. The city is divided by the Kaduna River, with Christian and Muslim communities often living on opposite sides. During times of heightened tension between these two groups, the cemetery staff faces additional challenges, as the funeral process can become fraught with conflict and hostility.

The Abdullahi cousins, however, have always kept their focus on their sacred duty. They continue their work with unwavering resolve, even in the most difficult circumstances, knowing that their efforts bring comfort and closure to grieving families. Their role extends beyond just digging graves; it is about offering dignity to the dead and support to the living in times of loss.

The Calling of Service

For the Abdullahi family, the work they do is more than just a means of livelihood; it is a calling, one that has been passed down through generations. Their hard work in the cemetery — from the initial phone call to the final prayers — is guided by the belief that their service pleases God, and that this is the ultimate reward.

In a community like Kaduna, where death is inevitable but the work of handling it is often avoided by others, the Abdullahi family has chosen to embrace their role with humility and grace. Their story is one of dedication, sacrifice, and an enduring commitment to a sacred task that few others are willing to take on.

The Abdullahi Family: A Legacy of Service Through Tragedy and Tradition

Magaji Abdullahi’s dedication to his family’s role as caretakers of the Tudun Wada Cemetery is not without its painful memories. One event in particular stands out as a defining moment in his journey, one that strengthened his resolve to continue the family’s sacred work.

A Pivotal Moment: The Early 1990s Religious Clashes

Reflecting on the religious clashes that took place in Kaduna in the early 1990s, Magaji recalls the horror of that time. “We had a couple of religious clashes in Kaduna, but the one that sticks the most for me was one in the early 1990s. A lot of people were killed,” he says. The violence led to the tragic loss of many lives, and in the aftermath, Magaji and his family were called upon to gather the bodies from the streets.

Muslim victims were brought to Tudun Wada Cemetery in the northern part of the city, while Christians were buried in graveyards located in the southern suburbs. For Magaji, this dark chapter in Kaduna’s history was a personal trial. “It was such a troubling time personally, and I wasn’t long in the job then, but that helped enhance my resolve to continue,” he adds. The brutality of the event left a lasting mark, but it also reinforced his commitment to the family’s mission of providing dignity to the dead and solace to the living.

The Rituals of Burial

The Abdullahi family’s duties are not confined to digging graves. The family plays an integral role in the entire burial process, which is steeped in religious and cultural traditions. While the team works on the grave, the local imam announces during one of the five daily prayers that a funeral is about to take place. This public announcement serves as a call to the Muslim community to join the procession and offer their prayers for the deceased.

As the mourners gather, they accompany the body to the cemetery, often in large numbers, expressing their sorrow and support for the family. Upon arrival, the body — carefully washed and wrapped in a shroud — is lowered into the grave. It is then covered with a layer of sticks and broken clay pots as a mark of respect, symbolizing protection and care for the deceased in the afterlife.

Once the burial is complete and the mourners begin to leave, the family members who maintain the cemetery make a final appeal for donations. These contributions, while often modest, are an important part of the family’s livelihood, and they help sustain the cemetery’s operations. The family does not receive formal pay for their services, and the small donations they collect help to cover the expenses of their work and upkeep of the cemetery.

A Sacred Commitment

The Abdullahi family’s role in Tudun Wada Cemetery goes far beyond that of mere grave diggers. They are integral to the community’s spiritual and emotional well-being, offering care and respect for the dead while providing comfort to the living. Their work is a daily reminder of the transient nature of life, and they continue to fulfill their duties with unwavering dedication.

The traumatic experiences of the past, particularly the religious violence in the 1990s, have only deepened their commitment. For Magaji and his cousins, the job is more than just physical labor; it is a spiritual calling that requires resilience, compassion, and a deep sense of duty. Through their work, they honor the memory of their fathers and preserve a legacy that will continue to guide their family for generations to come.

The Abdullahi Family: Unwavering Dedication Amidst Challenges and Sacrifice

At the heart of Tudun Wada Cemetery’s operations is 72-year-old Inuwa Mohammed, the oldest worker who has been part of the cemetery for decades. He worked alongside the Abdullahi family’s fathers and now continues to honor their legacy. “They were amazing people who loved what they did and have imbibed their children with this altruistic behavior,” Inuwa says, reflecting on the work ethic and values passed down through generations.

A Day in the Life of the Family

The Abdullahi family’s work is not only physically demanding but also emotionally taxing. Despite receiving small donations for their services, the money collected is rarely enough to cover the costs of the work, often just enough to buy lunch for the crew. In order to survive, the family also runs a small farm where they grow food to support themselves.

While the graveyard land itself is not an issue, as graves are recycled after 40 years, the family faces other challenges. The cemetery’s maintenance is one of the biggest concerns. “There is a lot that is lacking at the moment — we don’t have enough equipment to work with, or good security,” says Aliyu, the youngest cousin, who has worked at the cemetery for 10 years.

The Struggles of Maintaining the Graveyard

Aliyu describes how part of the cemetery’s wall has collapsed, leaving the area vulnerable to theft. Thieves, looking for scrap metal, have stolen grave markers, which are often made of metal plates inscribed with names, dates of birth, and death. This has become an ongoing problem, contributing to the cemetery’s deteriorating state.

Despite these setbacks, the Abdullahi family remains committed to their work. The graves themselves are typically outlined by stones, bricks, or sometimes just a stick, in accordance with Islamic tradition, which discourages ostentation in death. Few graves have metal plates, as Islamic clerics emphasize humility. Yet, even in the absence of detailed markers, the Abdullahi cousins remember the locations of all the graves in the cemetery and can direct mourners if they have forgotten where a loved one has been laid to rest.

Legacy of Service

While the Abdullahi family faces significant challenges in maintaining the cemetery, their dedication to their community is unwavering. The work they do is not only about digging graves; it is about serving a community in need, offering comfort to grieving families, and upholding traditions that have been passed down through generations.

The family’s commitment to continuing their parents’ work, despite limited resources and a lack of security, speaks volumes about their selflessness and sense of duty. They have become the guardians of the cemetery, ensuring that it remains a place of peace and reverence for the people of Kaduna.

A New Era for the Abdullahi Family: Recognizing Their Lifelong Service

After decades of working tirelessly as volunteers at Tudun Wada Cemetery, the Abdullahi family has finally seen a significant change in their fortunes. The recent visit to the cemetery by the local council chairman has brought a long-awaited acknowledgment of their hard work.

Recognition and Support

Rayyan Hussain, the new local council chairman, expressed his gratitude and respect for the Abdullahi family’s dedication to maintaining the cemetery. “They deserve it, given the massive work they do every day,” he tells the BBC. “Graves are the final homes for us all, and people who do this kind of hard work deserve to be paid, so my office would pay them as long as I am chairman.”

For Magaji and his cousins, this recognition has been a long time coming. After years of working without a formal salary, they have now been placed on the council’s payroll. “We are very grateful for this gesture,” says Magaji, who confirms that the staff have started receiving a monthly salary for the first time.

A Welcomed Change in Compensation

The new payment structure is a life-changing development for the family. The five oldest workers, including Magaji, are now receiving 43,000 naira ($28; £22.50) per month, while the other staff members, including Abdullahi and Aliyu, are receiving 20,000 naira ($13; £10.50).

While these amounts may still be modest, they represent a significant improvement in the financial stability of the family, which has always struggled to make ends meet. For decades, the family worked solely on the small donations they received from mourners, with little to no support from local authorities. Now, this new salary structure ensures that they are compensated for their essential role in the community.

A Bright Future Ahead

The Abdullahi family’s work at Tudun Wada Cemetery has always been driven by a deep sense of duty and spirituality. Now, with the support of the local council, they can continue their vital work with a sense of security and recognition.

This change marks the beginning of a new chapter for the family, one where their lifelong service to the community is not only valued but also rewarded. It is a fitting acknowledgment of their dedication, and it ensures that the family’s legacy of care and compassion will continue to thrive for years to come.

A Step Toward Progress: Future Plans for Tudun Wada Cemetery

While the new salary arrangements for the Abdullahi family are a step in the right direction, they still fall below Nigeria’s national minimum wage of $45 a month. However, Rayyan Hussain, the local council chairman, has expressed hope for further increases over time. “I hope to be able to increase their allowance as the budget allows,” he says.

Acknowledging the Past and Investing in the Future

Mr. Hussain also acknowledged the unfortunate neglect that the graveyard had suffered under previous local council administrations. “The graveyard was abandoned for years, and it is regrettable,” he notes. But with his leadership, he is determined to make significant improvements to both the cemetery and the working conditions of those who maintain it.

There are plans to repair parts of the fencing, which has fallen into disrepair, and to install solar-powered lights to enhance visibility and security. Additionally, he has pledged to improve the overall safety of the site, addressing the security concerns that the Abdullahi family and other workers have long faced.

One of the most important upgrades being made is the construction of a dedicated facility for washing and preparing bodies for burial. “Before now, all of this had to be done from homes,” says Mr. Hussain. The new room within the cemetery will provide a space where the community can carry out these essential rituals, making the entire process more streamlined and respectful.

A Hopeful Legacy

For Magaji and his family, these plans are more than just infrastructural improvements; they are a sign of the value that is now being placed on their work. The investment in the cemetery reflects a recognition of the vital role they play in the community. Magaji, who has dedicated his life to the upkeep of the cemetery, hopes that these changes will ensure that his work is not forgotten.

With 23 children of his own, Magaji looks to the future and hopes that one of them will carry on the family’s legacy. “I hope that one of my children will become a custodian of this cemetery in the future,” he says. This sentiment speaks to the deep-rooted sense of duty and the desire to pass on the family’s traditions of service and care to future generations.

As the community, local authorities, and the Abdullahi family continue their work, these improvements signify a brighter future for Tudun Wada Cemetery, one where the hard work of those who care for the dead is finally being recognized and supported.

Courtesy: Afrimax English

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