Zulum’s Call to Heaven: Borno Governor Declares Statewide Fasting and Prayer as Insecurity Deepens

Borno State is once again at a critical crossroads, and this time, Governor Babagana Zulum is turning not just to security architecture or military reinforcement, but to divine intervention. In a statewide broadcast delivered on Saturday with the urgency and gravity of a man carrying the weight of millions, the governor announced a Statewide Day of Fasting and Prayer scheduled for Monday, 24th November 2025, urging every resident to join in what he described as Borno’s most powerful non-weaponized defense—unity in supplication. The declaration comes at a time when the state continues to grapple with resurgent attacks, devastating ambushes, and a climate of fear that has slowly crept back into communities once hopeful that the worst was behind them.

For years, Borno has served as the symbolic ground zero of Nigeria’s prolonged battle against insurgency. From the height of Boko Haram’s reign of terror to the splintering of factions and unpredictable attacks that now target farmers, travellers, and vulnerable communities, the state has endured unimaginable losses. But Zulum, known for his fearless approach and hands-on leadership style, has always maintained that security is both a physical and spiritual fight. In his broadcast, he emphasized that military strategies alone cannot sustain the peace the people yearn for. “As a people of faith, we believe our security strategies must be underpinned by prayer,” he declared, speaking with a conviction that resonated deeply across the state.

According to him, the day of fasting is not reserved for one religion or sect but for everyone who calls Borno home—Muslims, Christians, traditionalists, and even non-religious individuals who believe in peace. The governor’s inclusive tone set the stage for what many believe could be one of the most unified moments Borno has experienced in recent times. He urged residents to intercede for the restoration of peace not only in Borno but across Nigeria, acknowledging that insecurity in one region inevitably spills over into others. “We are one people,” he stressed, “and our collective voices lifted in prayer can bring relief and strengthen our resolve.”

Reactions to the announcement have been swift and varied, reflecting a population that is tired, hopeful, and desperate for lasting solutions. Some residents welcomed the call enthusiastically, describing it as a timely move in a period of intense spiritual and emotional fatigue. Religious leaders across major cities like Maiduguri, Biu, Monguno, and Dikwa quickly began mobilizing their communities, preparing for a day dedicated to kneeling in prayer, reflecting, and seeking divine mercy. Many see the governor’s declaration as an acknowledgment that the situation has escalated beyond human strategy, requiring a higher level of intervention.

Others, however, are calling for a parallel reinforcement of security operations, insisting that while prayer is vital, robust and sustained action on the ground is equally necessary. Community leaders and civil society groups have urged the government not to allow the spiritual initiative to overshadow practical security measures such as intelligence gathering, increased surveillance, and improved welfare for security operatives. But even among critics, there remains a shared understanding that spiritual solidarity has historically played a significant role in the resilience of Borno people.

In towns and villages where fear has displaced normal life, the news has sparked conversations that go beyond the broadcast. Parents are discussing safety with their children, market women are whispering prayers under their breath as they sell produce, and young people on social media are sharing verses, motivational messages, and hopeful affirmations. The governor’s declaration has touched a raw nerve, reminding residents of the fragility of peace and the need to fight for it on every front—emotionally, spiritually, and strategically.

For many, the upcoming day of fasting represents more than just abstinence or ritual. It is a moment of collective vulnerability, a plea for strength, and a reawakening of the spirit of communal unity. It is also a reflection of the deep cultural and religious roots that bind Borno residents, people who have survived over a decade of instability yet continue to believe in a future where peace is more than a fleeting memory. The choice of a Monday is symbolic—beginning the week with prayer, resetting the tone, and signaling a fresh commitment to resilience.

Beyond its spiritual implications, the governor’s announcement carries political and emotional weight. Zulum has consistently demonstrated an uncommon level of courage, often visiting high-risk areas and interacting directly with displaced persons, security agents, and grieving families. His decision to turn to prayer is seen by many as a sign of sincerity and humility, a leader acknowledging that even the strongest among men must sometimes bow their heads in supplication. It also reinforces his track record of blending practical governance with empathy, something that has earned him respect both within and outside the state.

Across Nigeria, the news has triggered nationwide attention, with many observers commending the initiative while others express concern about the worsening security situation. The reality is undeniable: the insecurity that plagues Borno is not isolated, and its ripple effects can be felt from the North-East to other regions battling banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes. Zulum’s call, therefore, resonates beyond Borno’s borders, raising questions about the broader state of national security and the role of spiritual intervention in governance.

As Monday approaches, anticipation continues to build. Religious houses are preparing for a surge of worshippers, families are planning how to observe the fast, and community leaders are organizing group prayers and vigils. There is a sense of expectation in the air—a hope that even a single day of collective spiritual focus might shift the atmosphere, soften hardened hearts, and inspire renewed dedication among security forces and policymakers alike.

Whether or not the day of fasting marks a turning point remains to be seen. But what is certain is that Borno State will stand still on November 24th—not in fear, but in unity. Streets may be quieter, markets slightly less bustling, but hearts will be loud with prayer. It will be a day when differences are set aside, when faith becomes the common language, and when the people of Borno, weary yet unbroken, lift their voices toward the heavens in search of peace.

In a time when every headline seems to echo despair, Governor Zulum’s declaration has injected a moment of reflection and hope into the narrative. And for a state that has seen more than its fair share of suffering, hope is not a luxury—it is a necessity.