Borno Governor, Babagana Zulum, has urged residents of the state to fast and pray to tackle insecurity and for the restoration of peace in the state on Monday.

“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,” Mr Zulum said in a broadcast on Saturday.

He added, “This Monday, I am inviting you to join me in a voluntary day of fasting and prayer for peace to reign in Borno State, the Northeast and indeed the entire country. Let us come together to seek divine guidance, healing, and peace for our state.”

The governor urged every resident to participate in the prayer and fasting, adding, “Let us pray for the safety of our families, the progress of our communities, and the lasting peace in our state and the country at large.”

“Fasting is more than a personal spiritual act; it is a communal expression of our shared hope. Through prayer and reflection, we can strengthen our unity, renew our resilience, and restore our collective purpose. I encourage each of you to participate fully in this day of fasting,” Mr Zulum said.

Mr Zulum’s statement comes amid a resurgence of Boko Haram terrorists, who have been attacking and killing people across the state in recent times.

For years, Boko Haram terrorists have wreaked havoc in the North-East geopolitical region, killing, kidnapping, and displacing many.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimated that about 350,000 persons have been killed by Boko Haram insurgents.

According to Human Rights Watch, as of July 2022, the Boko Haram conflict had displaced about 2.2 million people in the Northeast, the vast majority—over 1.8 million—in Borno State. The conflict also displaced over 280,000 refugees from the Northeast into three neighbouring countries—Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.