Borno Christians pray against insecurity
By Ladi Dapson, Maiduguri
Christians across Borno state on Monday evening converged in Maiduguri to pray against the rising cases of attacks on residents across the state.
Bishop Naga Mohammed
The worshipers who came out in numbers, representing various churches in the state, had a two-hour praise and worship session at First Baptist church in Maiduguri.
The spiritual exercise was organised in compliance with the announcement made by the governor of the state, Babagana Zulum, on Saturday, when he urged worshipers across faiths to embark on a voluntary prayer and fasting session to seek divine intervention over the rising level of insecurity in the state and country.
Speaking after the prayer session, the North East Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Bishop Naga Mohammed, called on governors in the 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 the Northeast Christians, I plead with the five other state governors to emulate his excellency, who much valued peace, by calling on the entire people of Borno state, both Muslims and Christians, to fast and pray and seek God’s intervention”.
He said Christian leaders across the Northeast have resolved to back the government, while urging followers to cooperate with them in their plans and decisions.
“As Christian leaders, we have resolved to back the government once they are serious about tackling security issues, and our confidence is not in foreign intervention; rather, it is totally in our country because we believe they are capable, conventional, strong and trained personnel that can tackle them”, he stated
” We appreciate all the pastors and members who are here. I call on all Christians to cooperate with the government to handle matters of their concerns,” he added
He further expressed confidence that the rising cases of insecurity across the state and country will soon be a thing of the past
“In fact, there are so many strategies and plans to end Boko Haram and other insurgencies and terrorists, but the lord in his mercy has designed it this way, and we believe that with the cry of all believers in the state. The whole thing will come to an end,” he assured.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Borno state Chapter, Most Reverend John Bakeni, described the prayer as “timely”, citing recent attacks on civilians in rural communities.
“In recent days, you will agree with me that the insecurity issue is beginning to add more tempo and the need for us to come together to pray irrespective of faith is very crucial at this particular moment,”.
The state CAN Chairman, who was represented by the Secretary of the association, Apostle Joshua Akeredolu, highlighted the prayer request that members have been directed to focus on.
“All Christians within the state, including local government areas, were instructed to pray for peace in our dear state, the Northeast and the nation. Secondly, to pray that God should give our leaders the wisdom needed and the security personnel the right strategy for them to eliminate these terrorists called Boko Haram within the state and herdsmen within the nation,” he said.
“Thirdly, to pray that God Almighty should visit every household that is affected in one way or the other. Lastly, they are to pray that the peace assured us by our lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, during the days of Calvary should continue to sustain and leave within us,” he added.
Recall that on Saturday, in a state-wide broadcast, the governor of Borno state, Babagana 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, 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, 24th November 2025, as a state-wide day of fasting and prayers for the restoration of peace in Borno state and the country in general”. He appealed.
