Christian faithful across Borno State have embarked on a voluntary prayer and fasting session to seek divine intervention over the rising level of insecurity in the state and the country at large.
It is worth recalling that the spiritual exercise was organised in compliance with the announcement made by the governor of the state, Babagana Zulum, on Saturday, during which he described the resurgence of attacks as a matter of concern.
Speaking after the prayer session at First Baptist Church in Maiduguri, John Bakeni, the state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), described the prayer as “timely,” citing the recent escalation of attacks on civilians in rural communities as worrisome.
Bakeni, who was represented by Joshua Akeredolu, the secretary of the association, highlighted the prayer points members have been directed to focus on, while calling on Nigerians to unite and confront the challenges with a sense of camaraderie.
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“In these 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.
“All Christians within the state, including local governments, 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.
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.”
Also, Naga Mohammed, CAN North East Chairman, called on governors in the other Northeastern states to emulate Borno in seeking divine intervention.
He said, “We are very grateful for 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.
