The over decade-long Boko Haram insurgency in northeast Nigeria and Borno state, in particular, has contributed to economic backwardness of the region as Maiduguri Cattle Market which used to be one of the most beehive livestock markets in West Africa is now a ghost of itself.
Though, recently the market has witnessed an upsurge in livestock supply from some displaced people rushing to dispose of their livestock and resettle in Maiduguri metropolis, the Borno State capital which is relatively peaceful.
The fight to bring an end to the insurgency by government and security agencies remains uncertain with almost all livestock supply routes to the market in the Lake Chad Region remain closed.
Some of the measures taken by the state government in collaboration with security agencies to stem the activities of the terrorists include the imposition of strict scrutiny to ascertain all the livestock coming into Maiduguri.
Goni Amsami a middleman, who used to guide potential buyers in the market, said the dealers in this section are genuine and certified by the security and market committee.
“The security situation surrounding the state capital, Maiduguri has been worsening for some time, further erasing the hope that the Boko Haram insurgency would end soon”. He said.
A livestock trader, Mallam Baba Gana said “cattle, rams, sheep, goats, and even horses were brought to the market from within and outside the country before the outbreak of Boko Haram, but the market is now a shadow of itself.
“Boko Haram Insurgency has contributed to the shortage of meat and unemployment in the market and beef industry”. He added.
