Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has declared Monday as a day of fasting and prayer for peace and prosperity in the state and across Nigeria.
The announcement was made in a televised address aired by Channels Television on Saturday.
The governor’s call comes amid a spike in attacks targeting schools and religious institutions across northern Nigeria.
In Kwara State, schools were closed in four local governments after a church attack left at least two worshippers dead and others abducted.
In Kebbi State, 25 girls were kidnapped from a boarding school in Maga, and a vice-principal was killed. Meanwhile, in Niger State, at least 303 children and 12 teachers were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri in a mass kidnapping.
Addressing residents, Zulum described himself as “not just your governor but a fellow citizen with a profound sense of patriotism” and urged unity in sustaining peace.
“For the past 15 years, Borno State has been in the global spotlight owing to the Boko Haram insurgency. This affected every segment of our society, displacing millions of people and disrupting livelihoods,” he said.
Zulum commended the resilience of the Borno people and their support for security agencies.
“By the will of God, we were able to overcome those harrowing days of insurgency by uniting as one, settling aside differences of ethnicity, religion and sectionalism.
“We rallied behind our armed forces and other security agencies to confront the common enemy, whose aim was to destabilise our state, the Northeast and the nation as a whole,” he added.
He also highlighted the progress in agriculture, noting that “the relative peace attained in the state has contributed to a promising harvest for this year’s farming season.
“Farmers have been able to cultivate their crops that are expected to sustain them for the next one to two years. The government remains committed to supporting farmers with inputs and agrochemicals to ensure year-round farming and food sufficiency.”
Despite acknowledging sporadic attacks, the governor urged citizens to remain steadfast.
“Your resilience has been a source of inspiration and strength to me and to the entire administration. As people of faith, we believe our security strategies must be underpinned by prayers,” he said.
Zulum called on all residents, regardless of faith, to participate in the day of fasting and prayer.
“I hereby declare Monday, 24th November 2025, as a statewide day of fasting and prayer for the restoration of peace in Borno State and the country in general.
“On this day, I call upon every resident of Borno State, regardless of faith, to join in prayer for the past lasting peace and prosperity of our beloved state and Nigeria. Consequently, let us therefore devote ourselves to constant prayers, seeking Almighty God’s mercy,” he urged.
He assured all that his administration would continue to “embrace the welfare of our security forces, support community-based vigilance and pursue dialogue where possible without compromising the state’s integrity or the safety of our people.”
Zulum’s call follows a similar statewide day of fasting and prayer in May 2025, which he personally led in Rann, Kala Balge Local Government Area — one of the communities hardest hit by Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents.
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