Displaced traders and residents who have been resettled in the Bama Local Government Area in Borno State are appealing to authorities to reopen the popular central market which was closed 10 years ago because of the insurgency.

Now that there is relative peace in the area, they say, they want things to get back to normal, adding that the market will provide work for many and lessen the transport costs for residents who have to travel far to buy items they need.

RNI reporter Shettima Lawan Monguno spoke to residents who said the central market used to be a huge commercial centre in Bama, with locals and individuals from neighbouring towns and villages visiting it, some to buy and others to trade.

They said that if the market were reopened it would be a major boost to the economy of the community.

Modu Mala Majiri Daura said: “The market has been closed for 10 years and it has remained closed since we returned. We have to go to far-off places to get whatever we need and transport costs are excessive. In the past the Bama market ran smoothly. Traders from different communities and villages used to come every Saturday to the market.

“It was a busy commercial hub because people from the Gwoza Local Government Area, Kirawa, Pulka, Konduga, Kawuri and other neighbouring towns and villages came to buy and sell.”

Daura said it was a bustling and thriving market. But because it was closed, many people had lost their jobs.

“We are appealing to the government and the traditional King Alhaji Dr Umar Ibn Kyari Umar El-Kanemi, as well as the local government chairman Alhaji Kolo Kumshe, to consider the commercial benefit of reopening the market. Not only will it bring back prosperity to the community, but it will also ease the suffering of many who will be able to trade again.”

Mallam Grema Muhammad Bama said: “There are some things we need but we have to travel to far-off places, such as Michika, Madagali in Adamawa State and others, to get them. We want the authorities to reopen the market so that we do not have to travel so far each time we need more goods. Reopening the market will be of great benefit to all of us, whether we’re buying or selling. And it will save us the money we spend on transport.”

Baba Goni Modu said: “The cost of travelling to other towns to buy the items we need is prohibitive. We struggle to get food and other essential items. Reopening the Bama central market is our only hope. We will be able to buy food and other goods more cheaply. It will boost the economy of the town and attract buyers and traders from nearby villages. Bama will begin to thrive again.”

AISHA SD JAMAL