Yesterday’S reopening of the 76-kilometre Bama-Banki Road by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum signaled the restoration of business activities between Nigerians and their neighbours in Cameroon and Chad.
The road was shut to vehicular traffic in 2012 due to activities of the Boko Haram insurgents.
At the reopening in Bama, Zulum said no meaningful development could be achieved in the recovered areas without the resumption of commercial activities.
The governor lauded the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration for its commitment to the restoration of peace in Borno State.
Zulum noted that the efforts put up by the military in the state had led to the expansion of farming activities this year in the previously no-go areas.
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He said: “This year, areas under cultivation in Borno State have increased by 600 per cent. By next year, we will go beyond what we achieved this year.”
Bama Local Government Area Chairman Alhaji Aji-Kolo Kachalla hailed the development, describing it as a relief to the people of the area who are known for their penchant for business activities.
The Commander of Operation Hadin Kai Joint Task Force, Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa, said the development was another victory in the quest by the military to ensure peace and normalcy in the state and other parts of the Northeast.
Musa commended the government and Borno State people for their co-operation and support to the military and other security agencies.
He renewed the commitment of the military to the delivery of its mandate.