Zulum Declares 10-Day Prayers, Fasting to End Terror, Kidnappings in Borno

 
Zulum Declares 10-Day Prayers, Fasting to End Terror, Kidnappings in Borno

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has called for a sustained 10-day period of prayers and fasting aimed at seeking divine intervention to end the wave of kidnappings and terrorist attacks ravaging parts of the state.

The governor urged Muslims to take advantage of the last ten days of Ramadan to intensify prayers, particularly the night supplication known as Tahajjud prayer, for peace and stability in the troubled state.

Zulum made the call in a statement issued in Maiduguri by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, while the governor is currently in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, performing the lesser pilgrimage, Umrah.

According to the governor, the renewed attacks by insurgent groups must not weaken the resolve of residents to remain united in confronting insecurity.

“The recent coordinated attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists should not dampen the spirit of resilience and unity of purpose needed to confront our common enemy,” Zulum said.

He stressed that the final days of Ramadan represent a sacred period for supplication and urged citizens to dedicate the period to seeking God’s mercy and intervention.

“As we usher in the last ten days of the holy month, let us intensify our prayers to the Almighty God and beseech Him through acts of worship so that we may attract His mercies, blessings and rewards,” the governor said.

Zulum disclosed that he had already joined other Muslim faithful in Mecca to hold special prayers for lasting peace in Borno State and across Nigeria.

Beyond the Muslim community, the governor also appealed to Christians observing the Lenten season to join in prayers for an end to the violence.

“I also want to call on the Christian community who are observing Lent to join in special prayers to end this madness of killings and abductions,” he added.

The governor described the resurgence of attacks as a temporary challenge, expressing confidence that unity among citizens and divine intervention would help overcome the crisis.

While sympathising with families who lost loved ones in recent attacks, Zulum reassured residents that his administration would continue to support the military and other security agencies in their efforts to defeat insurgency.

Borno State has endured more than a decade of insurgency linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP, a conflict that has destroyed communities, displaced millions and claimed thousands of lives across the region.

Zulum reaffirmed that the state government remains committed to working with security forces and communities to restore lasting peace and stability.