YABO, THAT HISTORICAL BUT ELUSIVE TOWN
By Ahmed-BK
If you are a frequent traveler between Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi state and Sokoto, you are bound to notice, on your right hand, between Sayinna and Lambar Mazuru, a road leading you away from your intended destination. I have noticed this for decades and although I know the road leads to Yabo, I have never ever followed it to see how this beautiful town looks like.
Yesterday I was forced, by circumstances to visit. I was returning to Birnin Kebbi from Sokoto when, right on the intersection, my car developed some problems which required a professional mechanical attention. I was left with no option but to drive, cautiously into Yabo to look for a mechanic.
I found the town at ease, beautiful, laid back and 100% at peace with itself. It may appear to have been tucked away from the main road, but it lacked nothing others have. There is something about Yabo that settles your mind as you approach it. Its like it welcomes you with a reassuring smile. I came to a Y-Junction signposting a Shehu Shagari road on one lane and a Maidamma road, on the other.
I stopped to ask a group of young men resting under a tree shade which of the roads to take to find a mechanic. Beautiful people, respectful, ready to help out and simply natural.
They directed me, with smiles exuding out of their faces and within minutes, the problem was fixed and I left a town I have fallen in love with at first sight.
Chances are that you must have, at one time or the other, come across the name of a town called Yabo. It’s the headquarters of Yabo local government in Sokoto state.
Sure to visit some other time to explore it a bit further, In Shaa Allah.
