Commuters, drivers lament insecurity on Damaturu–Biu highway

Commercial drivers and other road users have urged the federal government and the Borno State Government to reconstruct the 85-kilometre Damaturu–Biu Road, which links five local government areas in Yobe and Borno states.

Residents expressed frustration over the poor condition of the road, saying it has led to longer travel times and heightened security concerns. They appealed to both federal and state authorities to urgently rehabilitate the road to ease vehicular movement.

According to the commuters and drivers, travel time on the highway has increased significantly—from about two hours to over six hours—resulting in higher fuel consumption, frequent vehicle breakdowns, and increased vulnerability to attacks and abductions by Boko Haram insurgents.

Mr Bukar Mustapha, a commercial driver, said motorists ply the road in constant fear of being abducted by insurgents who take advantage of the road’s bad portions.

Daily Trust gathered that the military scans the road each morning for suspected improvised explosive devices (IEDs) before allowing motorists to travel on it.

Fatima Modu, a passenger on one of the vehicles, told Daily Trust that her family members were abducted by gunmen on the road two weeks ago.

“Despite the presence of security checkpoints, the situation has not improved, and many casualties have been recorded. Pregnant women travelling to hospitals for delivery or medical attention face serious challenges,” she said.

Another commercial driver, Yusha’u Umar, said the bad road has caused drivers significant financial losses due to frequent vehicle repairs, tyre bursts, and other mechanical issues.

“Previously, we spent only two hours travelling from Damaturu to Biu. Now, we spend more than six hours. The situation has worsened insecurity, as insurgents exploit the bad portions of the road to carry out attacks,” he said.

The Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Damaturu Branch, Mr Mohammed Maina, described the road as “horrible” and urged the government to reconstruct it to prevent further accidents and attacks on motorists.

Efforts to reach the Federal Controller of Works in Yobe State were unsuccessful, as he was said to be out of the state on an official assignment.

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