Nigerian Governor Announces State-Wide Fast to End Boko Haram Terror
- Residents of Borno state on Monday observed one-day fasting to seek divine intervention to end Boko Haram menace in the state
- The spiritual exercise came in response to a statewide broadcast by Governor Babagana Zulum, who urged all residents, Muslims and Christians, to fast and pray for peace in Borno
- This was after the governor banned the sale of alcohol, petrol and also raised an alarm over the takeover of a key LGA in the state by the terrorist group
TheTalk.NG journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
Muslim and Christian faithful across Borno state observed a one-day fasting and prayer session aimed at ending the persistent Boko Haram attacks in the state.
The spiritual exercise was observed on Monday, May 19, after Governor Babagana Zulum, in a state-wide broadcast on Saturday, May 17, appealed to residents to embark on a one-day fast scheduled for Monday, as part of efforts to seek divine intervention in the state’s fight against insurgency.
“In light of our current security challenges, I am calling on all residents of Borno State to unite in a collective act of faith and solidarity,” the governor said in his address.”
Christians and Muslims fast to end Boko Haram terror
In response to the governor’s call, the Borno state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in a statement signed by its secretary, Apostle Joshua Akeredolu, urged Christian faithful to participate in the fast.
“The state CAN, under the leadership of Most Rev. Dr. John Bakeni, wishes to call on all brethren within the state to come and seek the face of God over our dear state, especially concerning the rising insurgency and killings within the state and the nation,” the statement read.
Speaking with The Punch, on Monday morning, Mahmud Abubakar, a Muslim resident, said he had joined the fast in hopes that God would intervene.
“While our officers are doing their best, we civilians are backing them up with prayers, hoping God will strengthen them and help end this crisis. Our people have died. This has to end,” he said.
Another Muslim resident, Umar Khadija, said she began her fast shortly after the dawn prayer and intended to break it after the Maghrib (evening) prayer.
“During crises, there are many approaches to becoming victorious. It’s not only about using arms — seeking divine assistance is also critical,” she said.
Pastor Oladipupo Adereti of Passion Life Christian Centre, Maiduguri, said the state was at a point where spiritual intervention was needed.
“It takes the spiritual to reign and dominate the physical for peace to prevail,” he said.
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Borno gov Zulum raises fresh alarm
Earlier, TheTalk.NG reported that Governor Babagana Zulum alerted the federal government and the military that only one town remains under government control in Marte LGA of Borno state.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Governor Zulum warned that Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents are on the verge of taking over the entire 300 towns in the LGA.
Governor Zulum appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Army to take swift and coordinated action to prevent the complete collapse of government control in the area.
Source: TheTalk.NG
