Zulum Declares Statewide Fasting, Prayer as Terror Attacks Surge Across Northern Nigeria

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has declared Monday, November 24, 2025, as a Statewide Day of Fasting and Prayer, calling on residents to seek divine intervention amid a worrying escalation of terrorist attacks in northern Nigeria.

The governor made the announcement in a televised statewide broadcast on Saturday, urging citizens of all faiths to unite in prayer for the restoration of peace, stability, and prosperity in Borno and the nation at large.

The governor’s declaration comes at a time when violent attacks on schools, churches, and rural communities have intensified across the North. In Kwara State, the government ordered the closure of schools in four local government areas after an attack on a church left at least two worshippers dead and several others abducted.

Borno has also witnessed renewed threats despite notable gains recorded in recent years against insurgents.

“We Must Return to God in One Voice” — Zulum

Addressing citizens with solemnity, Governor Zulum said:

> “My dear Citizens of Borno State, I address you today not just as your Governor, but as a fellow citizen, with a profound sense of patriotism. I share your anxieties, your hopes, and your desire for a peaceful and prosperous Borno. The future of our dear state remains bright.”

He reflected on the state’s painful journey over the last 15 years:

> “Borno has been in the global spotlight because of the Boko Haram insurgency. Millions were displaced across all 27 local government areas. Yet we survived those dark years by uniting—setting aside ethnicity, religion, and sectional differences. Together, we supported our armed forces and confronted a common enemy determined to destabilise our state and our nation.”
Zulum noted that the relative peace recently attained has already yielded positive outcomes, particularly in agriculture:

> “This year, Borno experienced a promising harvest. Farmers were able to cultivate crops that will sustain them for the next one to two years. My administration remains committed to supporting them with inputs and agro-chemicals to enhance year-round farming and ensure food sufficiency.”

But despite progress, the governor warned that the recent pattern of attacks demands urgent spiritual intervention.

The governor’s call comes as multiple mass abductions shake the northern region:

In Kebbi State, 25 schoolgirls were kidnapped from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, where a vice-principal was also shot dead.

In Niger State, at least 303 children and 12 teachers were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri — one of the largest mass kidnappings in recent Nigerian history.

Security analysts say these coordinated attacks signal a troubling resurgence of organised terror groups targeting soft spots, particularly in rural communities.

A Call for Collective Faith and Resolve

Zulum emphasised that while government continues deploying security strategies, prayer remains a critical pillar.

> “As a people of faith, we believe our security strategies must be underpinned by prayer. I hereby declare Monday, November 24, 2025, as a Day of Fasting and Prayer for peace in Borno State and across Nigeria. On this day, I call upon every resident—regardless of faith—to join in seeking God’s mercy and guidance.”

He urged citizens to remain resilient, united, and spiritually steadfast in the face of adversity.