Death a touchy subject

2004-05-18 21:06

Abuja - Jos, one of the centres of recent violence in central Nigeria, has banned the open display of coffins and caskets by their makers.

An official of the Jos metropolitan development board, said on Monday the ban was with immediate effect.

Jos was embroiled in ethnic and religious violence a fortnight ago, leading to the loss of several lives and the destruction of properties.

The official said the ban became necessary as the open display of caskets and coffins connoted doom, despair and sorrow, which could frustrate tourism.

Before the outbreak of violence, Jos, capital of Plateau State in central Nigeria was the cynosure of the eyes of tourists, but all that has evaporated with recent killings in the area.

Three to be charged for breaking law

The official said the open display of caskets was also against Jos environmental law and warned their makers to limit their advertisements to the use of signboards and the display of products only in showrooms.

It is a common sight in many Nigerian cities and towns to find coffins on display by the roadsides by artisans who produced them in readiness for bereaved customers.

The environmental board official said that since coffins were products with a special difference, any violation of the law against open display would attract a fine of $50.

He said three offenders arrested last week would soon be charged in court.

An artisan who produced coffins, however, condemned the directive, saying it was against the laws of enterprise.

He said the open display of coffins readily reminded people there was end to life one day and had a sobering effect on troublemakers.

The artisan said that despite crises and violence across Nigeria, people were bound to patronise coffin-makers since everyone wanted a decent burial for his or her relations, no matter the cause of death. - Sapa-dpa

- SAPA