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Insecurity: Zulum declares Monday fasting, prayer day
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has declared Monday a day of voluntary fasting and prayer across the state.
The decision, announced during a statewide broadcast on Saturday in Maiduguri, the state capital, aims to seek divine intervention and strengthen public resolve against the ongoing security threats.
“In light of our current security challenges, I am calling on all residents of Borno State to unite in a collective act of faith and solidarity.
“This Monday, I am inviting you to join me in a voluntary day of fasting and prayer for peace to reign in Borno State, the Northeast and indeed the entire country.
“Let us come together to seek divine guidance, healing, and peace for our state,” Zulum said.
Zulum described the fast as a spiritual yet communal demonstration of resilience.
“Fasting is more than a personal spiritual act; it is a communal expression of our shared hope.
“Through prayer and reflection, we can strengthen our unity, renew our resilience, and restore our collective purpose,” he added.
While calling for public participation in the fast, Zulum emphasized that the state government is not relenting on concrete steps to counter insecurity.
He revealed ongoing efforts with federal authorities to revamp the security framework and provide better support for personnel.
“In recent months, I have held extensive consultations with our federal partners and the leadership of various security agencies.
“I am pleased to inform you that the collaboration between Borno State and the Federal Government is stronger than ever.
“Together, we are working on comprehensive strategies to strengthen our security architecture, enhance intelligence sharing, and equip our security agents with the necessary tools to confront the threats before us,” the governor stated.
Zulum reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s assurance of federal backing in overcoming the recent surge in attacks.
“Indeed the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all the Service Chiefs have given us assurances that they will do everything possible within their reach to bring to an end the current insecurity that we are facing in the state,” he said.
He also pledged to reinforce local security initiatives, saying: “We shall also strengthen our volunteer forces, comprising the CJTF, hunters, and vigilantes, and bolster our community intelligence gathering and early warning systems as part of our commitment to supporting the security agencies.
“Let me warn against colluding with these armed groups, either individually or as a community, as they are our collective enemy.”
The governor expressed deep condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces over the loss of personnel in recent operations and prayed for comfort for the bereaved families.
Beyond security, Zulum acknowledged the ongoing water crisis affecting parts of Maiduguri, which he attributed to infrastructure damage caused by the September 10, 2023 floods.
“Fellow citizens, I am aware of the ongoing water scarcity affecting parts of Maiduguri, Jere, and surrounding areas. This situation is a direct consequence of the destruction of major pipelines during the catastrophic floods of last year,” he explained.
“Let me reassure you that my administration has been working tirelessly to restore the affected infrastructure. I appeal for your patience and understanding as we finalise efforts to fully re-establish the water supply system,” he said.
Addressing the recent uptick in urban crime, Zulum also announced the reconstitution of the Anti-Social Vices Committee.
The committee is tasked with tackling violent crimes and maintaining order in the metropolis.
“We will not allow criminal elements to destabilise the progress we are making, insha Allah,” he warned.
The governor concluded his broadcast with a call for unity, saying, “We are fully aware that the road to lasting peace is not an easy one.
“But with unity, perseverance and faith, we shall all overcome it insha Allah. I call upon all stakeholders, our traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, and indeed every citizen to join hands with us.
“Together, we can secure our communities, restore normalcy, and ensure that Borno thrives once again.”
Two major gubernatorial aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State, Mr Adebayo Adelabu and Barrister Sharafadeen Alli, have picked the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination forms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The duo picked the forms on Wednesday in Abuja.
Adelabu is the immediate past Minister of Power and hails from Ibadan.
Alli, on the other hand, currently represents Oyo South Senatorial District on the platform of the APC.
He is also an indigene of Ibadan, the state capital.
Recall that Adelabu’s Personal Assistant, Mr Ajiboye, picked up the form on behalf of his boss at the APC Secretariat in Abuja.
Alli, on his part, collected the form himself in Abuja.
Alli was accompanied by some members of the House of Representatives, among whom were Remi Oseni, Akeem Adeyemi, Olamiju Alao-Akala, and Akin Alabi.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has urged the government of South Africa to step up protection for Nigerians and other black immigrants following reports of renewed xenophobic violence.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 29, NIDCOM Chairman/CEO Abike Dabiri-Erewa warned that the situation had worsened despite earlier diplomatic engagements between both countries.
According to the commission, recent reports suggest children of Nigerian descent are now afraid to attend school, while business owners are reluctant to open their shops for fear of looting, harassment and targeted attacks. Community leaders have also documented fresh incidents of violence and intimidation within the past 72 hours.
NIDCOM appealed to South African authorities to take “urgent and visible steps” to safeguard foreign nationals, citing obligations under international law and African Union protocols on free movement and human rights.
The commission rejected what it described as the profiling of Nigerians, stressing that crime should be treated as an individual matter. “Crime has no nationality,” the statement said, adding that offenders should be prosecuted under South African law rather than entire communities being stigmatised.
Among its demands, NIDCOM called for increased police patrols in areas where Nigerians live and work, swift arrests and prosecutions of perpetrators, and the creation of a joint Nigeria-South Africa community safety forum involving police, city officials and diaspora leaders.
The commission also urged South African authorities to issue clear public messages condemning xenophobia and stereotyping.
Nigerians living in South Africa were advised to remain law-abiding and avoid high-risk areas after dark. NIDCOM said it is in contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the consulate in Johannesburg, and Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
While condemning the attacks, the commission praised the majority of South Africans who continue to live peacefully with other Africans, expressing confidence in the longstanding ties between both nations and pledging continued diplomatic engagement to protect Nigerians abroad.
The Nigeria Police Force has ordered the dismissal and prosecution of officers involved in the fatal shooting of Mr. Mene Ogidi in Effurun, Delta State, following the tragic incident that occurred on April 26, 2026.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, directed the immediate withdrawal of all officers linked to the incident from the Delta State Command to Force Headquarters, Abuja, where they underwent accelerated disciplinary proceedings.
The statement revealed that the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC), after a thorough review, found that the principal officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, acted in gross violation of Force Order 237 and other established regulations guiding the use of firearms.
The committee described his actions as unlawful, unprofessional, and a serious betrayal of the oath sworn to protect lives and uphold the law.
Following the findings, the FDC recommended the immediate dismissal of ASP Nuhu Usman and other officers found culpable in the incident.
The Inspector-General of Police has since approved the recommendation and forwarded it to the Police Service Commission for ratification in line with due process.
The Force also confirmed that upon completion of the administrative procedures, the affected officers would be handed over to the appropriate judicial authorities for prosecution over their roles in the extrajudicial killing.
Reaffirming the Force’s stance, the IGP stated that the Nigeria Police Force maintains zero tolerance for extrajudicial actions and abuse of power, stressing that no officer has the right to take life outside the provisions of the law.
He emphasized that any officer found violating this principle would face the full weight of disciplinary and legal consequences.
The Inspector-General also extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, Mr. Mene Ogidi, assuring them that the matter would not be treated lightly and that justice would be served transparently to restore public confidence.
He urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding, while assuring citizens of the Force’s commitment to professionalism, discipline, and the protection of the rights and dignity of all Nigerians.
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