Yobe Blacksmiths Lament Influx of Iron Scavengers

Blacksmitters in Makera community, in Potiskum local government of Yobe State, have lamented over the influx of the Iron Scavengers locally referred to as Ajakuta or Bola-jari in their markets.

These scavengers acquire and sell mass iron tools and equipment to factories elsewhere, and disrupted the traditional blacksmithing trade, leaving artisans in Makera and other areas of Potiskum struggling access their basic raw materials.

Abdullahi Bitti, a blacksmith and one of the stakeholders, decried the decline in their trade. “The Ajakutas have taken over our market. Our customers are running away from us,” he said.

Despite quality concerns, the cheaper and more diverse products these iron scavengers offer attract customers.

Blacksmiths, who rely on high-quality raw iron to craft durable household tools, farm implements etc., face challenges such as rising costs and limited availability of materials.

“We have to travel long distances to find iron,” Bitti said, adding that even when materials are available, their high cost makes it difficult for customers to afford traditional products.

“We use traditional methods and high-quality materials, but customers are prioritizing price over quality,” he added.

According to him, the decline of traditional blacksmithing in the areas raises concerns about the survival of a craft that has been integral to Yobe’s cultural and economic identity.