Benin residents raise Alarm Over display of Caskets on streets , link it to rising deaths, Condemn practice as taboo, call on casket makers to stop open display

Benin residents raise Alarm Over display of Caskets on streets , link it to rising deaths, Condemn practice as taboo, call on casket makers to stop open display

There is growing fear and tension in Benin City over the increasing display of caskets on various streets, with residents alleging that the practice is responsible for the rampant cases of sudden deaths, especially among young people.

Residents who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity on Thursday decried the open display of caskets along Erie Street, Sakponba Road, Upper Sakponba Road, Upper Ekenwan Road and other parts of the metropolis.

They condemned casket builders for the practice, describing it as a “taboo against Benin tradition and custom” that is fueling fear and contributing to the rising death rate in the city.

“Almost every day we hear of death after brief illness, especially among children and young people. We believe this open display of caskets on the streets is the cause. It is not our tradition,”one resident said.

Another resident lamented the high cost of caskets and accused builders of _“profiting from death”while creating panic in the community.

“This display is not good. It brings fear to people. Caskets should be made when there is a death, not displayed openly every day to remind people of death,” she added.

Reacting to the development, Chief Priest Igunbor warned that the open display of caskets violates Benin customs and traditions.

“In Benin tradition, caskets are made upon death. They are not meant to be displayed on streets for commercial purposes. This practice will only bring more death and bad omen to the land. The casket makers should desist immediately,”* he cautioned.

Residents are now calling on the Benin Traditional Council, Edo State Government, and relevant authorities* to intervene and caution casket builders against the continued public display, which they say is creating _“palpable tension and fear of the unknown” among residents.