Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed optimism that the Boko Haram insurgency in the state will soon come to an end.
Governor Zulum made the remarks in an Easter message issued through his media aide, Dauda Iliya, as he felicitated with Christians in Borno State and across the country.
He commended the existing religious harmony between Christians and Muslims in the state, urging residents to sustain the spirit of unity.
“It is heartening to observe the level of religious harmony between Christians and Muslims in the state. I urge all residents to sustain this spirit as we continue to take deliberate steps towards achieving lasting peace,” he said.
Describing Easter as a sacred period of sacrifice, forgiveness, and love, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace.
“As Christians across the world celebrate this year’s Easter, which commenced on Friday, I warmly felicitate with my Christian brothers and sisters in Borno State and beyond,” Zulum said.
He also highlighted that Easter marks the culmination of the 40-day Lenten season, a period devoted to fasting, prayer, repentance, and self-discipline.
The governor used the occasion to reiterate his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the people, noting the scale-up of palliative distributions to over 300,000 families to cushion the impact of the current economic hardship.
“It is encouraging to note that many vulnerable households have benefited from this intervention,” he said.
Zulum called for unity and restraint, especially during the current political period. “Borno belongs to all of us. We must shun divisive tendencies and not allow enemies of peace to derail our progress,” he said.
The governor also commended traditional rulers and religious leaders for promoting peaceful coexistence, urging them to continue nurturing unity and tolerance.
He paid tribute to the Nigerian Armed Forces, security agencies, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hunters, and vigilantes for their sacrifices and the recent gains in counterinsurgency operations.
