Damaturu — Residents of Yobe State capital, Damaturu and Potiskum local government area of Yobe state have expressed serious concerns over the absence of GSM service.

Following attacks on mobile telecom installations last week, MTN is the only service provider in operation now.

Our correspondent observed that the networks gradually seized from operation hours after the Tuesdays attack on many masts of the service providers in the affected areas.

A resident who pleaded anonymity told Sunday Trust that many people who have the courage to stay in the towns are considering to leave because of the service failure.

The resident said, "Our mobile phones are helping us a lot in avoiding being cut off when crisis arises in the town. We communicate with friends and relatives on ways of safety but today nobody can guarantee that.

"We don't want anything to happen now because it will be deadly. Many people will suffer the consequences. I am appealing on the GSM companies to do something fast. Government has promised to provide them adequate security."

In Potiskum town, none of the GSM networks is functional as at time of filing this report.

Residents bemoaned their condition as business activities suffered serious setbacks. People's morale also dampened greatly.

Government officials in the state are facing serious difficulties in reaching out especially in disseminating vital information.