Treasure hunt in graveyards? Sounds strange. But this is exactly what the residents of Al-Mouatham neighborhood in Tabuk have claimed, demanding security guards at the resting place for the dead.
According to the residents, not one, but many graves were dug up by unidentified people hunting for gold or other treasure while exposing bones and skeletons, local media reported on Tuesday.
Salem Alatwi, a resident of the area, was quoted as saying that the culprits did not even bother to respect the souls of those who have passed away. “It is painful to see bones and skeletons lying in open graves,” he said, demanding security guards for the place.
“Unfortunately, the walls surrounding the graveyard provide a cover for the offenders. Security guards should be deployed at the place to protect the sanctity of the dead. The height of the walls should be increased and barbed wire should be laid on them,” said Alatwi.
Odeh Alatwi, another citizen, also suspects that whoever dug up the graves were hunting for treasure.
He demanded that Tabuk secretariat form a committee to investigate the case.
Ibrahim Al-Ghaban, spokesman of Tabuk secretariat, said there are plans to fence the graveyard. “High compound walls have been built at around 26 such places,” he said.
