Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has called on residents to observe a statewide day of fasting and prayer. The observance is set for Monday, November 24, 2025. This call aims to seek divine intervention for peace in both Borno and the wider nation.

Governor Zulum announced this during a state broadcast on Saturday. His declaration comes at a critical time for Nigeria, as recent attacks on schools and religious centres have escalated public anxiety.

Nationwide Insecurity Prompts Call for Prayer

Across Nigeria, disturbing incidents highlight the worsening security situation. In Kwara State, schools in four local government areas were shut. This followed an attack on a church, where gunmen killed two worshippers and abducted several others.

Kebbi State also suffered a devastating blow. Twenty-five girls were taken from a boarding school in Maga. A vice-principal was tragically killed during the incident. In Niger State, residents are still reeling from a mass abduction. At least 303 children and 12 teachers were seized from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri.

Governor Zulum Urges Unity and Resilience

Addressing Borno residents, Governor Zulum spoke not just as their leader, but as “a fellow citizen with a profound sense of patriotism.” He urged everyone to remain united. He emphasized the importance of not allowing fear to weaken their collective resolve.

He reflected on Borno’s long struggle. “For the past 15 years, Borno State has been in the global spotlight owing to the Boko Haram insurgency,” he stated. “This affected every segment of our society, displacing millions of people and disrupting livelihoods.”

Governor Zulum commended residents for their unwavering resilience. He praised their crucial support for security agencies during the insurgency’s peak. He highlighted how unity helped overcome those “harrowing days.”

“By the will of God, we were able to overcome those harrowing days of insurgency by uniting as one,” he added. “We set aside differences of ethnicity, religion, and sectionalism. We rallied behind our armed forces and other security agencies to confront the common enemy. Their aim was to destabilise our state, the Northeast, and the nation as a whole.”

The Governor noted the improved security situation. This has positively transformed farming activities in the current year. “The relative peace attained in the state has contributed to a promising harvest,” he said. Farmers can now cultivate crops expected to sustain them for the next one to two years.

While acknowledging isolated attacks still occur, Governor Zulum encouraged residents not to lose hope. “Your resilience has been a source of inspiration and strength to me and to the entire administration,” he affirmed. “As people of faith, we believe our security strategies must be underpinned by prayers.”

Confirming the statewide observance, the Governor formally declared: “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.”

He urged all Borno residents, irrespective of their faith, to participate. “On this day, I call upon every resident of Borno State, regardless of faith, to join in prayer for the lasting peace and prosperity of our beloved state and Nigeria,” he appealed. “Consequently, let us therefore devote ourselves to constant prayers, seeking Almighty God’s mercy.”

Governor Zulum assured residents of his administration’s continued commitment. They will support security forces, strengthen community vigilance, and explore dialogue when appropriate. This will always be done “without compromising public safety.”

This marks the second time this year that Governor Zulum has declared such a statewide observance. A similar event took place in May. He led that prayer session in Rann, a community severely affected by Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks.