By Gbenga Akingbule.
A 75-year-old Tailor, Yusuf Isa’s shop was burgled twice around the Simari area of Maiduguri, Borno State capital, his goods carted away by thieves in a region where Boko Haram attacks on security forces and civilians have held sway for over 15 years.
Gatekeepers News reports that the thieves who raided Isa’s shop were able to have a field day due to the huge cover of darkness which aided their nefarious activities.
Three other residents of the community – Hauwa Usman, Hassan Abba and Fatima Mohammed gave different accounts of how insecurity had pervaded the area as many of them couldn’t sleep with their eyes closed at night.
“It was a sad experience as thieves took advantage of the darkness to break into our homes,” says Fatima Mohammed, a 60-year-old grandmother.
Besides the criminal activities in the six states of the Northeast region, the Boko Haram Insurgency further exacerbated the situation, particularly in the worst affected states of Adamawa, Borno Yobe. The region has also suffered a poor power supply that has made different criminal elements take advantage of the cover of darkness to unleash havoc on innocent residents.
But the North East Development Commission NEDC is already providing solutions to mitigating the myriads of security challenges bedevilling the region through the provision of solar-powered street lights to illuminate dark spots and make it difficult for people of the underworld.
The likes of Isa, his neighbours and many communities within the northeast region are currently breathing a huge sigh of relief from insecurity following the illumination of the community with solar-powered street lights. 
Last Tuesday, the Commission embarked on an inspection of over 1,500 solar-powered street lights located in strategic areas with Maiduguri, and its environs. Similar projects have also been sited in other northeast states.
Led by the Managing Director of NEDC Alh. Mohammed Alkali and his top management team drove through the nook and cranny of the capital city where nightlife that had hitherto been a forgotten history has now bounced back.
“When we were young, we used to enjoy the nightlife, I’m happy that the NEDC through the installation of solar-powered Street lights illuminates the the communities at night and also prevents crime in the area.
“When we commenced this Street Light project, we were very specific on locations; we consider very dark areas so that we can light up the community and make the people safer. We also consider academic institutions to boost learning for students at night.
“This street light project will go a long way in contributing to the fight against insecurity within the North East as there would be no hiding place for criminals at night,” Alkali said
In its continued efforts at ensuring the rapid rebuilding of the region, the Commission is employing a multifaceted approach towards tackling insecurity through the implementation of projects which address infrastructural development, productive youth engagement and empowerment while at the same time providing solutions to the health challenges of the region.
Consequently, the engagement and empowerment of youths through the evacuation of drainage projects across the northeast is seen as a game changer towards addressing the current security challenges and economic hardship being experienced in the country.
Prof Abubakar Mu’azu is a lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Maiduguri ( UNIMAID ) he believes that the NEDC is taking the right steps in fulfilling the mandate for which the Commission was established.
“I think NEDC is doing well and it’s commendable. Criminals don’t like lighted environments hence the installation of street lights by NEDC will go a long way in fighting insecurity within the region. With regards to drainage evacuation, it is a fundamental activity that is helpful to the community, those who are involved in it have a legitimate means of income and can take care of themselves and their family.
“On the provision of solar-powered boreholes, the NEDC has strategically thought it through by providing solar-powered boreholes for communities in the region. In Borno State in particular, based on recent research done by the University of Maiduguri and Borno State Water Board, the first aquifer of water in Northern and Central Borno is gone, if you want to get water, you will have to go to the second aquifer, so the NEDC is doing well I this direction,” Prof Mu’azu said.
As the northeast residents continue to yearn for more people-oriented projects, the citizens want the NEDC to maintain the tempo and ensure the rapid development of the region.
“We have suffered immense destruction of lives and properties from attacks by Boko Haram terrorists in the past, we hope the NEDC will continue to implement projects that will alleviate the suffering of our people,” Says Sani Fema from Yobe State.
