As the festive season of YuleTide draws closer, travelers from Borno State find themselves facing significant hardships, with many stranded due to a severe shortage of vehicles and rising transport fares. The situation has left thousands of people struggling to reach their destinations, leading to mounting frustration and anxiety among holiday-goers.
With many individuals traveling to celebrate the holidays with loved ones or return to their communities for seasonal work, the crisis in transportation has compounded the challenges of an already strained infrastructure. Reports from various towns within Borno reveal that the shortage of available buses, taxis, and other public transport options has forced travelers to endure extended waiting times and price hikes.
According to affected individuals, vehicle operators have significantly increased fare prices, citing fuel scarcity and the high demand during the holiday period. The situation has exacerbated the burden on low-income individuals, many of whom depend on affordable transportation to return home.
"I have been waiting here for hours, but there is no bus in sight. I can't afford the high fares being charged now, and it's heartbreaking to be stuck like this during the holidays," said one traveler stranded at a local transport hub. "It’s supposed to be a time of joy, but instead, we're feeling helpless."
Local authorities have acknowledged the issue, but the limited response so far has done little to alleviate the frustration of travelers. Some experts have raised concerns that the worsening transport shortage could further disrupt the state's economy, as goods and services become harder to transport, affecting businesses and local markets.
While holiday travel is always in high demand, the ongoing challenges with infrastructure, inadequate road safety measures, and unpredictable weather conditions have added to the sense of urgency. As people remain stranded, many are calling for both short-term and long-term solutions, including the provision of additional vehicles and intervention from both the state and federal governments to ensure a smoother holiday season.