Residents of Borno State are billed to observe a day of fasting and devotion to pray for the return of peace to the state, on Monday.
The fasting and prayer is in line with a declaration by the state governor, Babagana Zulum, that divine intervention was also necessary to address recurring attacks on the state by insurgents.
Borno, in recent weeks, has experienced attacks from Boko Haram insurgents including a dastardly attack on Auno town in Konduga where human beings were set ablaze.
Aside from private devotions, Imams of all mosques across the 27 local government areas of the state are also expected to recite the Qunut throughout the five congregational prayers while Christian communities will also lead special prayer sessions in their churches.
While ruling out prayers in public places, Zulum urged residents of Borno State and lovers of peace to pray wherever they are with “the purest intention total devotion, submission and unwavering faith.”
As directed by Zulum, prayers are billed to be rendered for armed forces and volunteers currently in the battlefront.
Prayers will also be rendered for President Muhammadu Buhari, who according to Zulum, was sincere about the fight against Boko Haram.
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While assuring of constantly equipping volunteers who join the civilian Joint Task Force to defend communities, Zulum said the call for prayers was in acknowledging the limitations in the strengths of human beings.
“I know we have ceaselessly sought divine intervention in our individual and group prayer sessions. These notwithstanding, this time around, I will like us to seek Allah’s intervention not as individuals and groups, but as an entire state.
“I intend to fast on that day and I appeal to every one of us in Borno, who can to join in that simple but pricelessly rewarding spiritual endeavour. I also appeal for the sacrifices of all other well-meaning friends and associates of Borno, who can join us in fasting on Monday for the restoration of peace in Borno State and rest of Nigeria.
“I urge all of us to be steadfast in prayers. But, in doing that, we certainly do not need to congregate in open fields for dramas.
“It would also not matter whether we are within or outside Borno State and whether we are at workplaces, markets or not. There will be no public holiday, after all, God is everywhere, at home and at work.
“We must fight and pray for good to triumph over evil,” Zulum had declared.
and then