Cross Kauwa is a rural settlement in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State located close to Baga town which hosts the largest fish market in the area, close to the popular fishing town on the fringes of Lake Chad, Doro.
Like many its neighbouring communities, the village, which is dependent on crop farming, fishing and pastoral activities, was deserted in 2018 following incessant attacks by Boko Haram insurgents.
The residents relocated to neighbouring communities; relying on aid supplies from the government and interest groups with strong expectation of returning to their village soon.
The village was later recaptured from the insurgents by the military after several encounters and an army base was established there, and residents, like in Baga, were allowed to reoccupy their homes.
About 500 households were resettled in Cross and Doro each in August this year by the state government with the support of the military. More are reportedly pouring into Cross to give it a second life.
A commercial driver, Babagana Mohammed, who lives in Baga, told Kanem Trust that farming and non-farming activities had begun to pick up in Cross Kauwa.
Mohammed said, “The local council fixed Mondays as market days shortly after the return of residents, and since then people from neighbouring communities and the residents converge at the market place to buy and sell commodities and livestock.
“Local people mostly display their wares on the streets; an indication of enhanced rural livelihood. Women and youths are effectively participating in business activities, but the residents still struggle with social backwardness, low income and low literacy.”
