My Adventurous Trip to Damaturu in 2021 (Part I)

I received a certificate of recognition, a compendium, and a token of money

My Second Longest Journey to Damaturu in 2021 (Part I)

After a long wait, my article titled “Ideas that Explore Modern Techniques to Improve Agriculture in Yobe State” was finally chosen as one of the best entries in the first-ever Yobe State Scholarship Board Annual Essay Competition 2021. I was invited to the ceremony for my published article in the YSSB Compendium of Selected Essays.

As I awoke early in the morning to prepare for my journey to Damaturu, Zaria was still asleep, and the only sounds that filled the air were the barking of dogs, the chirping of bugs, and the tweets of birds in the distance. As I left my student apartment, the streets were dark, silent, and cold. I stopped on the road and flagged down a passing Keke Napep. After the driver pulled over, I entered the tricycle and was taken to the Kwangila Bus Stop.

Typically, only one car makes the journey early in the morning from Zaria to Damaturu. Even though I woke up and arrived at the bus stop early, I was unable to board the lone car. I was disappointed and considered rescheduling my trip for the next morning. However, with the circumstances in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, I had no choice but to take a bus to Kano and then another to Damaturu.

I entered the Kwangila bus station and boarded the Kano bus. The driver was far too old. I asked myself after I saw him start the ignition and grab the steering wheel, “Can this elderly man drive us to Kano?” To my utter surprise, he drove at an average speed of 70–80 kilometers per hour (km/h), increasing to 100 km/h when we reached a road diversion where Julius Berger was undergoing construction. No one dared to criticize his sluggish speed, which, considering his age, may put him under duress. Every person in the market accepted his faith that it would take us forever to reach Kano. Unfortunately, a few kilometers into the city of Kano, our car was caught in traffic caused by long vehicles (trailers) drivers.

As our trip came to a total halt, we met multiple passengers who stated that the traffic jam was caused by a conflict between the Kano Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA) and the long-vehicle drivers. Others believed that the impasse was caused by Customs officers who had seized the battery of one of the long vehicles for not paying the normal bribe on the highway. In any case, we spent more than an hour waiting for the road to open and another hour trying to dodge the traffic jam. Despite all that, our driver had to take a shortcut to enter Kano, but the decision was also a disaster. We spent more than 40 minutes trying to navigate the fully terrained area that trapped more cars on the only bridge on the way. 

I felt too anxious and then relieved once we successfully dodged the location. The driver immediately took us to the Unguwa Uku Motor Park, where I boarded Sharon's car bound for Damaturu. The driver looked to be in his forties or older, and cheerful. I must say he has a vibrant demeanor. His vibe and enthusiasm made us enthusiastic too about the trip ahead.

However, our enthusiasm was short-lived, as the car suddenly experienced problems and stopped 30 minutes away from Wudil Local Government in Kano State. The driver inspected the car engine and informed us that he had to go back to Wudil to bring artisanal machinists. From every passenger’s face, you can tell that we were extremely upset by this new issue.

We all stood helplessly under the scorching sun. The heat was blistering, and three of us began looking for the nearest tree to sit under. Along the Kano-Damaturu highway, we sought refuge under a huge tree and were soothed by its cool air. The other males joined us after a few minutes, but the four female passengers stayed in the car regardless of the intensity of the heat.

As we waited for the driver to come back, we talked about how commercial car drivers often neglect to check the condition of their vehicles before starting a trip. We agreed that if drivers took the time to thoroughly inspect their vehicles before setting off, there would be fewer accidents and mechanical issues.

After an hour, the driver returned with two artisanal mechanical engineers who fixed the car. We were able to continue the journey at an average speed of 120–140 kilometers per hour (km/h).

To be continued in Part II. Expect it to be published next week.