Maiduguri residents express joy over return of GSM services

GSM services were shut in Borno for over seven months.


A cross section of residents of Maiduguri on Wednesday expressed happiness over the restoration of GSM services in the state.


Service to Borno was cut off following the declaration of state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa in May by President Goodluck Jonathan when the states came under intense attacks by Boko Haram insurgents.

Even though service was restored to Yobe and Adamawa, Borno remained shut in the past seven months until Tuesday.

Muhammad Wawu, a resident of New GRA, Maiduguri, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the restoration of GSM service by the Federal Government was commendable. He said the move would help in curtailing the security challenges through proper communication between the people and relevant security agencies.

Mr. Wawu said the lack of GSM service aggravated some of the attacks carried out by the insurgents.

Amack Usman, a resident of Gwange area in Maiduguri metropolis said the gesture would boost socio-economic activities and help in the peace building process in the state.

Mr. Usman said "with or without GSM service, the Boko Haram insurgents have continued to attack people.

"This is because I think they have their own Internet and wireless services, the turaya mobile phones and other communicable facilities."

"I believe if there is GSM network in the state, people will communicate with relevant authorities to inform them of any perceived case of attack.''

A recharge card vendor who gave his name as Bala Babagana, however, said "only MTN lines are functioning.''

He appealed to the government to restore the other networks to stimulate socio-economic activities in the state.
(NAN)