Residents of communities in Yobe State have raised concerns over the growing number of young people migrating to Libya, Algeria and other foreign countries in search of better economic opportunities, warning that some villages are gradually becoming deserted.
The village head of Sonomari in Yusufari Local Government Area, Baba Alkali, disclosed that more than 1,000 youths from communities across the council area alone had left for foreign countries in search of better living conditions.
Speaking in Damaturu, Alkali attributed the increasing migration to insecurity, desertification, declining rainfall and worsening economic hardship following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
He explained that many young people who previously depended on farming and fishing for survival had been forced to abandon their livelihoods due to insecurity and deteriorating economic conditions.
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According to him, the situation has made it increasingly difficult for community leaders to convince young people to remain in their villages without providing alternative sources of income.
Although the migrants reportedly contribute to their communities through financial support, including funding children’s education, supporting their families and building houses, Alkali warned that their continued departure was depriving rural communities of the manpower needed for development.
He expressed concern that the villages were gradually becoming deserted, stressing that young people remained essential to the growth and future of every society.
The traditional ruler appealed to the Federal Government, Yobe State Government and Yusufari Local Government Council to urgently introduce employment opportunities and sustainable economic programmes to discourage further migration and encourage young people to contribute to the development of their communities.
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