Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Borno farmers resort to special prayers for rain amid drought fears

The Borno Emirate Council has started mobilising the public for special prayers for rain, known as “Salatul Istisqa’a”.

• July 16, 2023
Nigerian farmers
Farmers used to illustrate the story

Farmers in Borno have resorted to special prayers over imminent drought due to the lack of steady rainfall.

The farmers, mostly in northern and central parts of the state affected by the development, have resorted to prayers seeking divine intervention.

Many farmers in Maiduguri metropolitan, Jere, Konduga, Kaga, and Mafa local government areas said the development was disturbing and needed prayers.

“You will see clouds as if it’s going to rain, but after some time, there will be strong wind pushing the clouds to another place, and that’s the end.

“If things continue this way, there will be drought,” a farmer on the outskirt of Maiduguri, Ibrahim Ali, told journalists.

Many farmers who also spoke on the disturbing development said they have resorted to prayers.

Meanwhile, the Borno Emirate Council has started mobilising the public for special prayers for rain, known as “Salatul Istisqa’a”.

A statement from the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, urged Muslims to converge at Ramat Square, Maiduguri, on Monday for the prayer.

The statement signed by the Shehu’s private secretary, Zannah-Umar Ali, urged Muslims to troop out, irrespective of age, gender and status, for the special prayer. 

(NAN) 

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Governor Dauda Lawal

States

Gov Lawal mourns Emir of Zurmi

Governor Dauda Lawal on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Sarkin Zamfaran Zurmi, Bello Sulaiman.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq

Politics

Kwara govt committed to people-focused budgeting, good governance: AbdulRazaq

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to people-focused budgeting and good governance.

ex-chairman, Bello Goronyo

Politics

PDP dismisses Goronyo’s resignation, says he ceased being chairman nine months ago

The Sokoto chapter of PDP dismissed the resignation of its ex-chairman, Bello Goronyo, insisting that he ceased to be the party’s leader nine months ago.

Orile Agege Road inauguration

Lagos

Lagos council boss inaugurates Orile-Agege road rehabilitation 

Akinola Idowu, chairman of the Orile-Agege LCDA in Lagos, on Tuesday inaugurated road rehabilitation projects across the council.

Cancer patients in Nigeria

Abuja

NCS urges stronger policies, early diagnosis to tackle childhood cancer

The president of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Abidemi Omonisi, called for stronger policies, financing and health systems to improve childhood cancer care in Nigeria.

Alex Kiprotich, Ruto

Rights

Newspaper links abduction of journalist Kiprotich to Kenya’s president

“We say this plainly and without equivocation: the Standard Group holds the state responsible for Alex Kiprotich’s safety and his life,” the paper’s CEO stated.