Following, an increase of attacks by the deadly group, Boko-Haram terrorists / Islamic State West Africa Province(ISWAP) in the Southern axis of Borno State, an agricultural hub of the State, the prices of food items and grains are going higher on a daily basis.

BusinessDay finding shows that the Southern part of Borno is known for massive production of grains, beans, milets, maize, wheat, sorghum, guinea corn and other cereals, which constituted huge agricultural produce, that are being transported to various locations including Lagos-Abuja-Enugu-Port Harcourt- Asaba- Kaduna, among other parts of the Country.

Before now, the journey of 187 kilometres from Biu town, the biggest town in Southern part to Maiduguri, the epicentre of insurgency, used to be a two-hour drive, but it is now a nine-hour drive due to persistent terrorists attacks and total closure of the highway between Damboa and Biu for motorists more than two years ago, which is negatively affecting prices of grains in the markets due to high cost of transportation.

It will be recalled that in the recent months, ISWAP fighters had continued their rampage killing, maiming, kidnapping and looting without an end in sight.

In December last year, a judge and his security aide were abducted, also more than forty soldiers were killed, a University don, working at the Army University, Biu was equally abducted, a week after ISWAP struck Sabon Gari Military formation, killing 12 soldiers and destroyed hardwares, with the State Governor’s convoy also ambushed. Additionally, Warujko near Sabon Gari came under heavy attacks with the killing at four soldiers, while several others wounded.

According to data, nine LGAs comprising Southern part, including Damboa, Biu, Chibok, Askira-Uba, Hawul, Shani, Bayo, Kwaya- Kusar and Gwoza produce at least 500,000 tons of crops annually, even with Gwoza, which was badly affected by terrorists activities, having tagged the Caliphate (Headquarters) of Boko-Haram between 2014 and 2015 where they administered their heinous campaigns.

The people of areas are predominantly farmers who cultivate and produce large grains, especially the most-sought-after ”honey beans and big white beans”, transported to different part of the country including: Port Harcourt, Asaba, Kaduna, Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Ibadan and beyond the shores of the country.

But, the tota closure of the highways? Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu; Maiduguri-Bama-Gwoza-Yola road; Maiduguri-Bama-Banki leading to the Cameroonian border; Maiduguri-Dikwa-Gamboru leading to the Chadian/Cameroonian border; Maiduguri-Monguno-Baga leading to the Lake Chad; and Maiduguri-Damasak-Niger Republic border, are badly affecting transportation and prices of the grains.

Aliyu Biu, a beans merchant said, the high cost transportation by crops merchants from Southern part to Maiduguri or other parts of the country had no doubt triggered skyrocketing prices of food items.

“I deal with buying of beans and other commodities, the cost of transportation is killing our business; a big of bean is being transported Damboa to Maiduguri cost #8,000 to #10,000 for just 100 kilometers journey due to insecurity and bad roads.

“The food items is cheaper in Damboa, Biu, Shani, Kwaya-Kusar, Uba, Askira, Chibok and Hawul because they produce massive grais in both dry and wet seasons but our problem is incessant insecurity and transportation costs due bad roads networks. All the roads that links Biu town are in pitiable conditions”, he said.

Modu Chiroma, dealer of grains in Maiduguri, alluded rampant attacks in Damboa and Biu axis, as being hampering the economic growth of the Southern part, just one farmer could harvest at 400, 000 big bags of grains in raining season alone.

“Biu town is strategic but it has systematically cut off because a decade ago you can go Biu, Gwoza or Bayo and come back before 3:pm of the same day. The Biu-Damboa road is a major problem even though Maiduguri-Damboa is not safe but military escort helps commuters twice a week. The zone has been weakening economically due to lack of access road and safety of people”, he added.

Ibrahim Gwanmna, a Veteran Journalist and Public Analyst, noted that the people of the Southern part had been abandoned to their fate, saying other roads linking Maiduguri had been re-opened and motorable without Military escorts.

“You can imagine the type of misery when somebody will spend just about maybe #2000 to #3000 to go to Biu and now you have to spend about #9000 or even more. If they Damaturu-Buni Yadi-Biu roads, that’s mean from Maiduguri-Damaturu-Potiskum-Gombe-Biu this is about 600 kilometers instead of of 187 kilometers, you could imagine the pain our people are going through now, the economic hardship, stress and times. They spend more than triples of normal transportation costs.

“But now things have been made worse that you have to go through Potiskum/ Gombe and before you get to Biu. And you can imagine crossing the whole Yobe state before you come to Biu which is just uncalled for.

“And we do not just blame the military, we also blame our federal lawmakers, particularly our senator, representatives because for so long that road has been so bad and nobody is talking about it; they have abandoned the masses, they have never made any effort.

“Recently Governor Babagana Zulum went to Southern Borno he announced that very soon the road would be reopening. I think if he can do this for us history will be kind to him. So that our people can transport their farm produce to Maiduguri and other part of the with ease.

“So I believe the importance of the road and not be overemphasized. And every one of us from that Southern Borno, we are very eager to see that the governor fulfills His promise. Because if he does that, I think that’s the most important project he would have completed in in that area”, he pointed out.

Meanwhile, Abubakar Musa Kida, a transporter, noted the impact of the Damboa- Biu road could not be overemphasised, considering agricultural production in the areas.

He advised, “If this road is opening, farmers can bring their farm products with ease to Maiduguri. It will impact has huge on the economy of the state, also people can visit their their homes without any fear. The cost of transportation from Uba-Maiduguri or Chibok-Biu would be reduced. Ultimately, people would save more money and earn more profits from services their renders.

“Now, the once the road is re-open, even these constants attack on Biu and others would drastically reduces or cease, because if there is always movement, you know, there is no how that Boko Haram can can sit and plan their attacks with ease. The price of food items would reduces”, he said.

Mohammed Salisu a retired Police Officer, however urged the Federal Government to do massive recruitment of men to support Armed Forces and Security Agencies to be deployed to face insurgency.

He said, “No, I will not blame the military, because actually, when we talk about military, you know, we have to know their operations. Nigerian military, whether they are admitted or not, they are completely overstretched. They are Northwest, Northcentral and others. They are overwhelmed with several operations in the country.

“When was last time we had massive in the armed forces despite several ongoing operations? There was never a recruitment for massive recruitment for soldiers. And each time there is urgent they move these soldiers to another locations, the fatigued is there. Federal government should prioritize massive recruitment for Armed Forces.”

Abubakar Mohammed Kareto, Public Affairs Analyst, said it is undeniable that attacks on communities by insurgents in Borno State had suddenly resurfaces in recent times.

“These incidents have conveyed a highly unfortunate message to the Borno State community. The Maiduguri-Damboa road remains impassable without an escort, whereas the Biu-Damboa route has been accessible for over a year. The implication is that we are not yet liberated.

“Many roads in Borno State and some parts of Yobe remain closed, causing significant difficulties for residents, negatively impacting livelihoods by forcing people to travel long distances and avoid many areas for the fears of being attacked, such as Damboa, before reaching their destination. Consequently, economic activities will likely be severely impaired”, he said. (BusinessDay)