As part of efforts to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government, the Borno state government has released eighty buses and pick up vans for free, to transport farmers from their communities to farmlands.

The state Governor Babagana Zulum disclosed this while addressing thousands of farmers at Molai village, outskirts of Maiduguri.

Zulum explained that the eighty vehicles will comprise fifty luxurious buses to be allocated from the fleet of the Borno Express Transport Corporation, while thirty pick-up vans will be hired and provided by the state government.

“We are here purposely to support the farmers, you can see thousands of them have gathered and their numbers can reach up to 100,000. Due to the removal of fuel subsidy which although has a long-term benefit, cost of transportation has increased. Therefore, Borno State Government has decided to provide 50 buses (and 30 pick-up vans) to convey farmers to their farmlands this rainy season”, Zulum said.

The Borno State governor called for cooperation with the military and other security agencies deployed to the area to protect citizens including farmers who go to outskirts to access their farmlands.

“I want to urge you (farmers) to give maximum support and cooperation to the Nigerian Military. They (soldiers) are here to protect you”, the Governor stressed.

He thanked the troops for their efforts in safeguarding the people, which has allowed farming activities to begin throughout the state.