Buyers and sellers from Borno State and beyond flock to Damboa for the reopening of the popular livestock market on Monday, March 25.

One of the biggest and most popular livestock markets has reopened in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State after it was shut down almost eight years ago because of the insurgency.

Buyers and sellers flocked to the reopening on Monday, March 25.

Goats, sheep and cattle were on display for the many visitors from Borno and beyond the state.

Ali Mala, a resident of Damboa town, told RNI that he was excited to witness the reopening of the famous livestock market.

“It will attract many visitors – both buyers and sellers – from near and far. The reopening of the Damboa Monday Market is a clear sign that relative peace, security and stability has been restored to Damboa. It’s a wonderful day for residents, in particular, and visitors from elsewhere. People have come from all over Damboa and other parts of Borno State – and there are even many from the other states in Nigeria.

“At last, things are going back to the way they were. It is a great day for Damboa. It is a great day for everyone.”

Kana Malum Bukar, also a resident, said that before the insurgency began he had been a livestock dealer.

“It was a good life until Boko Haram [the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’way Wa’l-Jihād – JAS] started attacking us. I made a good living back then and my family thrived. I had a lucrative business. We were not short of money.

“Then the attacks started and the market was shut down in 2017. Since then life has been hard. It has been difficult to provide for my family. To make money, I sometimes went into the forest to fetch firewood. But that did not last long and I did not go often because armed groups living in the forest attacked us. Many were killed while they were collecting wood. It was not safe at home but it was even less safe in or near the forest.

“But now the market has reopened and life can get back to normal. I intend to start my business again and I will trade in livestock. For the first time in years I am looking forward to the future.”

Alhaji Kawu Malam, a livestock dealer, said he had come from a nearby village to sell his livestock at the newly reopened Damboa Monday Market in Damboa town.

“We greatly appreciate the effort made by authorities in the Damboa council, the security operatives who worked so hard to keep us safe, and all other relevant stakeholders who did what they could to get the market up and running again.

“Now, it is open again and business is already beginning to flourish. Look around. There are so many people. It is good to see so many buyers and sellers from across the Damboa Local Government Area and beyond. We can start earning a living doing the work we enjoy. The past eight years have been difficult for all of us. But now we will be able to provide for our families properly again.”

Abubakar Mala, a member of the civilian joint task force (CJTF) based in Damboa town, told RNI that the market had been reopened because of relative peace had returned in Damboa.

“Peace, security and stability have been restored. In 2017, there were incessant attacks by Boko Haram insurgents as well as frequent bomb blasts. Many people died. Many also fled to safer areas, such as Maiduguri.

“There was no choice, the market had to be shut down. We were living in fear. It was a nightmare.

“But now the livestock market has reopened with the help of Almighty Allah as well as the remarkable efforts of the military and other security operatives.”

He said stringent security measures had been put in place to ensure the protection of lives and property now and in the future.

“It is safe to come here again. We are inviting buyers and sellers to come to the Damboa Monday Market. There is much on offer and we will welcome all visitors. This is, indeed, a great day for all of us.”

SHETTIMA LAWAN MONGUNO