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Following the recent terrorist attacks in Damaturu, capital of Yobe State, a large detachment of soldiers from different army units have been deployed to the area to ensure security of lives and property.
When LEADERSHIP visited Kirikasama Ward, commonly known as New Jerusalem, there were several units of army personnel deployed at strategic points in the area.
The development also led to a situation where people had to identify themselves before they could be allowed to pass.LEADERSHIP correspondent had that personal experience before filling this report.
Meanwhile, commercial activities have been paralysed in Damaturu, following the mass exodus of people from the state, while those who managed to stay around are afraid to open their business premises.
Some traders, especially fresh meat sellers who spoke to LEADERSHIP at the Abacha Market, said they had to watch their unsold meats rot away as the market was deserted for days and there was no one to patronise them.
?“I suffered a great loss because on the first day of these attacks, I just came to the market to open my sales when the attack started and I left my meat and ran away.
I later came to gather them up but by the next day it started to smell since there was no light to open the fridge and keep them frozen. But I thank Allah that I am alive,” said Baba Mohammed, a meat seller at the market.
Areas worse hit by this mass exodus include the New Jerusalem Ward, mostly populated by Christians and non-indigenes of the state. However, even the indigenes are fleeing as some have left for their local government areas and others to wherever they feel they may find shelter and safety.
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