The governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday released 80 vehicles for free transportation of farmers from their communities to farmlands in an effort to lower the high cost of living caused by the removal fuel subsidy.

The 80 vehicles comprise 50 luxury buses to be allocated from the fleet of the Borno Express Corporation, the state-owned transport company, while the 30 pick-up vans will be hired by the state government.

The governor said in Maiduguri: “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 has made the cost of transportation to increaseto.

“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 while addressing farmers, urged them to cooperate with soldiers, police, and other security agencies deployed to roads to protect citizens including farmers who go to the 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.”