THE Yobe State Government has announced the reopening of Kukareta and Buniyadi markets, which were previously shut down due to heightened insecurity in the region.
The markets, located in Gujba and Damaturu local government areas, were closed as part of efforts to cut off suspected food supply routes to insurgents operating in the state.
The development was confirmed by Dahiru Abdulsalam, Security Adviser to Governor Mai Mala Buni, following a high-level security meeting chaired by Deputy Governor Idi Barde-Gubana at the Government House in Damaturu.
“Following a thorough review of the current security situation, I’m pleased to announce that two of the three closed markets — Kukareta and Buniyadi — have now been reopened,” Abdulsalam told journalists.
Despite this relaxation, the state government has maintained a ban on the sale of petrol (Premium Motor Spirit) between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., warning that violators will be arrested.
Additionally, the state plans to set up a task force to address farmland and cattle route encroachments, a move aimed at preventing clashes between farmers and herders — a recurring issue in the region.
Abdulsalam noted that such incidents have reduced significantly in recent months, but the government is committed to taking further preventive measures.
The reopening of these markets marks a cautious step towards restoring normalcy in the affected communities while maintaining vigilance against threats posed by insurgent groups.