Residents of Kirawa, a border community in Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State, are now forced to trek into neighbouring Cameroon to access potable water, months after returning from displacement caused by Boko Haram attacks.
Kirawa, located about 128 kilometres from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, lies in Borno South and shares a border with Cameroon’s Far North region. The town suffered devastating Boko Haram attacks in August and October 2025, which destroyed homes, businesses, and public infrastructure, displacing thousands.
Although security has somewhat improved, residents say the absence of basic amenities, particularly water, roads, and healthcare facilities, has worsened living conditions. Promises made by Governor Babagana Zulum to provide water facilities, hospitals, and improved roads remain unfulfilled, residents claim.
During interviews, locals said assurances from Governor Zulum were a key reason many families decided to return after fleeing to Cameroon during the insurgent attacks.
“After Cameroonian security operatives left and Nigerian forces took over during the peak of the attacks late last year, there has been relative peace. However, the promises the governor made about water and hospitals have not been kept,” said Isah Lawan, son of the village head.
“To get water, we suffer daily. We trek to Cameroon with wheelbarrows just to meet basic needs.”
Residents explained that children and women now travel daily, often in groups, to a functional tap water point in Cameroon known locally as “Abuja Cameroon.” Trips begin as early as 5:30 a.m. and repeat around 4:30 p.m., with wheelbarrows used to transport water over long distances.
Hadiza Audu, a local woman, described the hardship and humiliation they face:
“Sometimes, people on the other side taunt us, mocking our government and our plight.”
Concerns are rising as schools prepare to resume, with children expected to combine domestic chores and long-distance water trips, potentially affecting their education.
> “Even some teachers face the same struggle for water. So punishing children for being late under these circumstances would be unfair,” joked resident Mustapha Ahmed.
The community continues to appeal for urgent government intervention, emphasizing the need to support families whose homes and businesses were destroyed during the insurgent attacks.
