Damaturu to Maiduguri highway: An issue of concern

It is no longer news that the Damaturu-Maiduguri highway is an unsafe route for travellers and students alike with the rising insurgency and insecurity along the road from terrorist attack, and the now rampant cases of kidnapping. Many students in the university of Maiduguri who travelled home for the festive season relate their fears while […]

It is no longer news that the Damaturu-Maiduguri highway is an unsafe route for travellers and students alike with the rising insurgency and insecurity along the road from terrorist attack, and the now rampant cases of kidnapping. Many students in the university of Maiduguri who travelled home for the festive season relate their fears while returning to campus using the Damaturu-Maiduguri highway. Precious lives are being lost on this death trap of a road.

Therefore, we need government at all levels to put more effort to resolve this issue. It is very unfortunate how people no longer want to come to Borno State because they are afraid of being killed or kidnapped.

Borno is the most visited state in the northeastern part of Nigeria. God has blessed the state with many things; it was where people were coming to from different areas to enjoy the blessings of the state.

The University of Maiduguri is one of the greatest blessings that the state has, with people coming from different parts of Nigeria to acquire knowledge. But even in the university, the problem  on that highways has become the most basic issue of discussion.

The governor of Borno state is doing pretty well to make sure he tackles the issue of insurgency in the state, but this is not enough, there is need for government at all levels to take proactive measures on this issue.

Therefore, its of paramount importance for government to take this as a matter of concern.

We therefore call on the government and security forces to put more effort towards tackling the problem. More security checkpoints and patrols should be placed to ensure safety of road users on this route. A 100 level Zoology student of the University of Maiduguri was kidnapped along the road recently.

This is an open challenge to the government to sit up and tackle these criminals who want to disrupt the peace and free movement of the people.

Lawal Ibrahim, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.