Over a week after the resolution of the Economic Community of West African States for all land borders between its member countries and the Niger Republic to be open, residents of the Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State have appealed to the Federal Government for immediate action.

The land borders were closed by ECOWAS following the military junta seizure of power in the neighboring country.

A motorcyclist in Illela community, Mallam Nuhu Ilela said, the continued closure of the border had caused more hardship to the people of the community.

“I believe the government has a responsibility to implement policies and decisions. When the border was directed to be closed, it was with immediate alacrity.

“Now that they ask them to reopen it, why is it taking so long with different excuses daily, it is unacceptable. Someone should tell the President that the closure has paralysed the economy of this community, we barely survive these days.

“Our survival has been on the relationship and petty trading we built with our neighbouring countries. It is absurd and proper things should be done on time.”

Another resident, who identified himself as Mohammed, said it was necessary for the government to open the border without delay to allow free trade.

He said keeping the border closed was inimical to the survival of the people, adding that the closure of the border had brought untold hardship to many families.