Christians across Borno State on Monday evening converged in Maiduguri to pray against the rising cases of attacks on residents across the state.
The worshippers, who turned out in large numbers and represented various churches across the state, held a two-hour praise and worship session at the First Baptist Church, Maiduguri.
The spiritual exercise was organised in compliance with the announcement made by the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, on Saturday, urging worshippers across faiths to embark on voluntary fasting and prayer to seek divine intervention over the rising insecurity in the state and the country.
Speaking after the prayer session, the North-East Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Naga Mohammed, called on governors in other Northeastern states to emulate Borno in seeking divine intervention.
He said, “We are very grateful to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum. As the Chairman of Christians in the Northeast, I plead with the five other state governors to emulate His Excellency, who values peace so much that he called on the entire people of Borno State — both Muslims and Christians — to fast and pray and seek God’s intervention.”
He added that Christian leaders across the Northeast have resolved to support the government, while encouraging their followers to cooperate with authorities on security matters.
“As Christian leaders, we have resolved to back the government once they show seriousness in tackling security issues. Our confidence is not in foreign intervention; rather, it is totally in our country because we believe we have capable, conventional, strong and well-trained personnel who can tackle these problems,” he said.
“We appreciate all the pastors and members who are here. I call on all Christians to cooperate with the government in addressing matters that concern them,” he added.
Bishop Naga also expressed optimism that the rising cases of insecurity in the state and the nation would soon be a thing of the past.
“In fact, there are so many strategies and plans to end Boko Haram and other insurgent and terrorist activities, but the Lord, in His mercy, has designed it this way. We believe that with the cry of the believers across the state, the whole situation will come to an end,” he assured.
Also speaking, the Borno State Chairman of CAN, Most Rev. John Bakeni, described the prayer gathering as “timely,” citing recent attacks on civilians in rural communities.
“In recent days, you will agree that insecurity is beginning to gain more tempo, and the need for us to come together to pray, irrespective of faith, is very crucial at this time,” he said.
Represented by the Secretary of the association, Apostle Joshua Akeredolu, the CAN Chairman highlighted the prayer points that members were instructed to focus on.
“All Christians within the state, including those in the local governments, were instructed to pray for peace in our dear state, the Northeast, and the nation. Secondly, to pray that God will give our leaders the wisdom needed and grant security personnel the right strategies to eliminate terrorists, including Boko Haram in the state and armed herdsmen in the country,” he explained.
“Thirdly, to pray that God Almighty should visit every household affected one way or the other. Lastly, we are to pray that the peace assured us by our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ during the days of Calvary, will continue to sustain and dwell within us,” he added.
Recall that in a statewide broadcast on Saturday, Governor Zulum described the resurgence of attacks as a matter of concern.
He said, “Despite the recent sporadic attacks, Borno State has witnessed a reasonable degree of stability. However, the unfortunate situation in the state, the nation, and the globe is a matter of grave concern to us.”
“As people of faith, we believe our security strategy must be underpinned by prayers. I hereby declare Monday, 24 November 2025, as a statewide day of fasting and prayers for the restoration of peace in Borno State and the country in general,” he appealed.
Borno Christians host special prayer against insecurity
