High temperatures keep fasting worshippers inside during the day – but when the sun goes down markets in the Bama district of Borno State come alive with shoppers.

Businesspeople are making the most of the restoration of relative peace and security in the Bama district of Borno State – and the suspension of the curfew.

They have opened shops and stalls at night during the holy month of Ramadan and they are doing a roaring trade.

“It reminds me of the time before the insurgency,” a happy shopkeeper said.

Bama was one of 14 local government areas in Borno State that was fully under the control of the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’way Wa’l-Jihād (JAS), more commonly referred to as Boko Haram.

It was recaptured by government forces in March 2015 – but there have been numerous violent attacks since then carried out by JAS fighters and members of its equally vicious offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

However, with the return of relative peace, the Borno State government decided to suspend a curfew – from 10pm to 6am – for Ramadan.

One still may not enter or leave the main town at night.

Return of peace and security

“Since we returned and resettled in Bama town seven years ago, there has been a curfew in place for all these years and security operatives restricted all movement at night,” Lawan Ali Gulumba, a resident of Bama town, told Ndarason.

“Before the start of the holy month, we were told that the curfew would be suspended and that shops and stalls could open for business at night.

“No one is allowed to enter or leave the town – but all shops are open for business. We can shop at night without fear, threats or harassment.

“We can move freely without any restrictions. We can go to business centres or shops to buy whatever we like. This is a great step forward. Previously, we had to get everything we needed in daylight because all shop owners and traders had to shut up shop for the night. Everyone was forced to comply with security directives. But now, we do not have to worry.”

A blow for commercial activities

Gulumba said that prior to recent developments, most residents of the Bama Local Government Area had to travel 74km to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, or to neighbouring Cameroon, to shop.

“Apart from the long distances on very poorly maintained roads, insecurity made the trips extremely risky. It was always disturbing to hear of another attack. Hardly a week went by without any attacks by armed groups,” he said.

The poor condition of the Maiduguri-Bama road compounded the situation because insurgents capitalised on that to abduct and kill motorists or to loot their properties, he said.

“But it is not over yet. There are still attacks that occur every now and then. But at least the security situation has improved, compared with the past.”

Open for business – at night

Alhaji Bulama, a shopkeeper in Bama, told Ndarason: “We thank Almighty Allah for restoring relative peace and security in Bama town because we are now able to open our shops and stalls at night.

“The suspended curfew means more customers – and more money in our pockets. Now we close late at night. We have had no security problems.”

Bulama said the suspended curfew reminded him of life in Bama before the insurgency.

“I remember when we spent the whole night in our shops without any fear. Buyers came from all over; many were from the surrounding villages. In those days it was safe to travel.

“I know things will never be the same again,” he said. “But I hope this relative peace that we are witnessing will continue.”

Usman Babagana, a shop owner, said: “Now that we can keep our businesses open, there are many customers who troop in to buy goods. Business has greatly improved – especially during this holy month.

“Previously, we were unable to do business at night because of insecurity. But now traders can open their shops and stalls without hesitation.”

Babagana said security operatives were still ever-present.

“They conduct patrols on foot and in their vehicles. They are there to ensure our safety and to protect our property.”

The fight is not over

A local security operative, who asked to remain anonymous, told Ndarason that the curfew was suspended to allow worshippers to go to mosque at night and to engage in commercial activities.

“Most people spend the day at home during the fasting period because of the high temperatures. They prefer to stay out of the sun.

“At night, people run their shops and customers go out to buy what they need.

“The security situation in Bama has greatly improved in the recent months. This is because of stricter security measures – as well as collaborations between security operatives and the community.

“We want people to continue to support security operatives with credible information.”

He said the security situation in Bama would continue to improve as long as residents respected established security protocols.

“Unfortunately, the fight against Boko Haram is not over. I urge all residents to be cautious and vigilant. If they come across anything unusual or see a stranger acting suspiciously, they must report it immediately to security operatives.”

Thousands killed and displaced

The Bama Local Government Area has been severely hit by the insurgency. Thousands of people died and even more were displaced. Property worth millions of naira was destroyed.

When JAS fighters took control of the district, it was a “no-go area”.

As peace returns, many displaced persons are returning and settling back in their ancestral hometowns and villages.

SHETTIMA LAWAN MONGUNO