Residents applaud completion of roads after decades of neglect in Yobe

Residents of five communities in Yobe State have expressed excitement over the completion of 51.5km of roads, which will ease commuting and haulage of harvested crops and livestock.

The roads are Dawasa-Chukuriwa, Chumbusko-Tagali, and Karasuwa-Garinguna in Bade and Karasuwa Local Councils.

The residents expressed joy during an inspection tour in the Dawasa community organised by the Yobe State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

The village head of Chukuriwa, Alhaji Mohammadu Chukuriwa, said the communities were neglected for over three decades without roads or other infrastructural facilities.

He lamented that residents are cut off from accessing hospitals and markets in towns and other communities during the rainy season.

Also, Chukuriwa commended Governor Mai Mala Buni and the Commissioner for Works, Alhaji Umar Wakil Duddaye, for the construction of a mosque in the Chukuriwa community.

A farmer, Kakdu Kafayo, said: “Before the completion of the 10km Chumbusko-Tagali road, we could hardly transport our farm produce to various markets within and outside the state. Now, we are happy to be connected to other parts of the state.”

He said the road has linked several villages along the route with major towns like Potiskum and Damaturu.

He said the state government should also provide farmers with storage facilities to complement the new community roads.

The Masaya of Kukuri, Malam Ishaku, expressed appreciation for completing the roads.

In Fika town, a resident, Adamu Isa, said: “The road project has linked five political wards and three local councils of Fika, Gujba and Gulani.”

In his remarks, the NUJ Chairman, Rajab Ismail, expressed appreciation for the opening up of the communities for agricultural activities and trade.

He urged other governors to emulate Buni in transforming the rural areas to halt the migration of youths to cities and towns for jobs.