Farmers in Kwaya Kusar Local Government Area of Borno have commended the state government’s security initiatives aimed at tackling farmer-herder clashes in the area.
Hassan Musa, Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kwaya Kusar chapter, made the commendation in an interview with reporters in Kwaya Kusar town on Thursday.
Musa said measures adopted by the state government, including the establishment of Agro-Rangers and other security initiatives, had helped reduce farmer-herder clashes in the area.
He said that since the state government, in collaboration with the local government, implemented the initiative, farmers had enjoyed safe access to their farmlands.
According to him, the council chairman, Mr Dahiru Hamma, and the Biu Emirate Council had also strengthened dialogue and community engagement to promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
“Farmers and herders are now carrying out their activities without any rancour because of the measures put in place, and these have helped farmers boost productivity.
“There is no more destruction of our farmlands, which often caused huge losses for farmers and reduced their incomes.
“We now have hunters guarding our farmlands and coordinating activities around them to ensure no encroachment until we harvest our produce.
“We thank Governor Babagana Zulum, Mr Hamma and the Biu Emirate Council for being proactive,” he said.
Musa also commended Zulum for subsidising fertilisers for farmers in the area, providing input support for dry-season farming and distributing 500 bicycles to farmers.
He said the bicycles, which had been distributed to farmers, had ensured easier access to farmlands while reducing transportation costs.
