Insecurity and Poor Conditions Plague Damaturu–Biu Highway

Commuters and drivers on the Damaturu–Biu highway are expressing significant frustration regarding the insecurity and poor conditions of the 85-kilometer road that links five local government areas in Yobe and Borno states. Drivers report that travel times have increased from two hours to six hours due to the road's deteriorating state, resulting in higher fuel consumption and frequent vehicle breakdowns.

Mr. Bukar Mustapha, a commercial driver, highlighted the constant fear of abduction by insurgents exploiting the road's bad portions. Fatima Modu, a passenger, recounted her family's experience with abduction by gunmen on the road two weeks prior, despite the presence of security checkpoints.

Yusha U. Umar, another commercial driver, noted significant financial losses due to vehicle repairs caused by the road conditions. Mr. Moham Maina, chairman of the NURTW Damaturu branch, described the road as horrible and urged the government to reconstruct it to prevent further accidents and attacks on motorists.