While presenting the 2023 Appropraition Bill before the Borno State House of Assembly, the Borno State governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, was emphatic that night travels will resume the state. This is one among the many executive pronouncements that became an issue of concern.
First, it is important to note that the over a decade long insurgency affecting Borno is yet to be completely over. Of course, night life in Maiduguri metropolis and most of the local governments has picked up. The number of reported incidents related to insurgent attacks has reduced to the lowest in almost all local governent areas.
However, in spite of these developments, travel restrictions from and to Maiduguri and other parts of the state capital are still in force. For instance, Jimtilo gate, along Maiduguri-Damaturu-Kano and Jos roads is officially opened at 7:30 am and closed by 6pm or earlier, depending on the security situation.
Day Sokoto Caliphate, Kanem-Borno Empire strengthened bonds
Gunmen kill pregnant woman in Borno
Also, the Maiduguri-Konduga-Bama and Gwoza road opens by 8am and closes by 4 or 5pm depending on the security report.
The road to northern part of Borno opens by 8am and closes by 5pm. This is the same situation at the road linking Mafa, Dikwa and Gamborun Ngala from Maiduguri. Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu road is not yet open for travellers.
The rationale for the enforcement of restrictions is not far-fetched from monitoring and ensuring safety of lives and property of travellers.
At the moment, travellers still pass the night in Damaturu, Gamboru Ngala and other locations whenever they are unable to meet the time before the closure of gates mounted by security personnel.
No doubt normalcy has returned. However, the popular Hausa saying ‘Da asara gwanda gidadanci’ (It is better to play the fool than be a loser) explains what will happen whenever the ban on night travels is lifted. Many travellers are apprehensive of travelling to Maiduguri by road in the day time. In fact, many travellers coming to Maiduguri will prefer to travel in the day time to avoid stories that touch the heart.
Dear Prof. Zulum, this pronouncement is too quick. Advisably, it is better to continue to monitor the situation and allow heads of various security agencies to decide on the appropriate time for lifting night travels. It is our hope and prayer that Borno will not witness any bad story on travellers in the day time.
Zarah Lawan is a student of Mass Communication Department, University of Maiduguri.
