Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has declared Monday, 24 November 2025, as a Statewide Day of Fasting and Prayer in response to renewed concerns over insecurity in the state. The governor made the announcement in a public address, calling on all residents—regardless of religion—to unite in prayer for lasting peace in Borno and across Nigeria.
Zulum said the decision came after reviewing the “unfolding situation” in the state, the country, and even the global environment. While Borno has enjoyed improved stability in recent years, the governor admitted that recent sporadic attacks are worrying and require both physical and spiritual efforts to overcome.
The governor began his address by reminding residents of the long and painful journey Borno has endured since the Boko Haram insurgency first erupted in 2009. What started as a local extremist uprising quickly grew into one of the world’s deadliest terrorist campaigns, leading to mass killings, attacks on communities, and the destruction of infrastructure.
“For the past 15 years, Borno State has been in the global spotlight owing to the Boko Haram insurgency,” Zulum said. He noted that the conflict affected all 27 local government areas, displacing millions of people and disrupting livelihoods, schools, markets, and farms.
Over the years, entire communities were forced to flee, many people were pushed into internally displaced persons’ camps, and economic life nearly collapsed in several areas. Borno became a centre of international humanitarian attention, with global agencies providing food, shelter, and medical support to millions of affected residents.
Despite the immense destruction, Zulum praised the people of Borno for showing unity, courage, and resilience. He said the state was able to push back insurgency because residents worked together, setting aside differences in ethnicity, religion, and political interests.
He also commended the armed forces, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hunters, vigilante groups, and security agencies, describing them as the backbone of the state’s recovery. He noted that countless lives were lost in the struggle, and many security operatives continue to risk their safety daily for Borno’s peace.
The governor said this unity and sacrifice have paid off. According to him, the state has enjoyed relative peace for some time now, allowing farmers to return to their fields and produce what he described as a “promising harvest” for the 2024–2025 farming season.
Zulum stated that many farmers have been able to produce enough crops that can last them for one to two years, a significant step toward restoring food security in a region where agriculture is the primary occupation.
The governor also used the opportunity to reassure residents that his administration will continue supporting farmers with inputs, seeds, and agro-chemicals. He explained that the goal is to achieve year-round farming and food sufficiency across the state, especially as many families are still recovering from years of disrupted agricultural activity.
Agriculture has always been central to Borno’s economy. Before the insurgency, the state was known for producing grains, livestock, vegetables, and fish. The return of farmers to their land is a key sign of progress, but insecurity remains a constant threat that could reverse these gains if not carefully managed.
While acknowledging the progress made, Zulum also raised alarm over new security concerns. He said the “recent sporadic attacks” in some communities show that threats remain despite the success achieved by the military and local security groups.
These renewed threats, he said, make it crucial for the people of Borno to remain vigilant and spiritually grounded. He described the current situation as being of concern not only to Borno, but also to Nigeria and the global community, which continues to face security challenges ranging from terrorism to organized crime.
The governor thanked residents for their patience, cooperation, and continuous support for the government and security agencies. He said their prayers, fasting, and contributions to frontline troops have been vital in sustaining peace and rebuilding trust between citizens and the authorities.
Zulum then declared Monday, 24 November 2025, as a special Day of Fasting and Prayer. He emphasized that this is not limited to one religion, noting that both Muslims and Christians have always played significant roles in praying for the state.
“As a people of faith, we believe our security strategies must be underpinned by prayer,” he said. He called on everyone living in Borno to join in praying for divine protection, mercy, and guidance.
The governor said residents should use the day to pray against “evildoers, saboteurs, and all enemies of peace.” He reminded citizens that while security strategies require equipment, intelligence, and manpower, prayer remains an important part of the state’s collective strength.
The governor also used the address to assure residents that the state government will continue investing in security. He pledged continued support for the military, the CJTF, and other local security groups, which have become essential in defending rural communities.
Zulum also noted that the government will keep supporting community-based vigilance and pursue dialogue where necessary—as long as such efforts do not compromise the safety of the state or encourage criminality.
His approach to security has often been described as a mix of strong military support, humanitarian outreach, and engagement with local leaders. Since becoming governor in 2019, Zulum has visited some of the most dangerous communities in the state, sometimes coming under direct attack. His hands-on approach has earned him national and international attention.
Zulum ended his message with a call for unity and faith, saying that the future of Borno is “brighter than ever” despite the many challenges the state has faced. He assured residents that the government remains committed to building a peaceful, prosperous, and secure society.
Residents, he said, must continue to pray, cooperate with security agencies, and support efforts to rebuild communities.
“We will continue to invest in the welfare of our security forces, support community-based vigilance, and pursue dialogue where possible,” he said.
The governor thanked the people of Borno for their resilience, describing them as “a source of inspiration and strength” to his administration.
