Borno state governor declares 3 days fasting and prayers for abducted schoolgirls

Borno state governor, Kashim Shettima today declared three days fasting and prayers to seek divine intervention to rescue the more than 200 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram in Chibok more than three weeks ago.

The governor made the announcement while addressing members of the Kibaku Area Development Association, Chibok, who were protesting against the abduction of the girls in Maiduguri.

According to him, the fasting will take place between Monday and Wednesday, May 12 to May 14.

"We are calling on all Muslims and Christians to embark on a three-day fast to seek God's help toward rescuing our girls.

All of us must fast because we worship the same God.

"There is no politics or religious issues in this matter because the abduction of the girls is something that should bother us all as parents, uncles and guardians."

Shettima expressed gratitude to the international community for the concerned shown over the abduction saga, especially the American first lady, Mrs Michelle Obama.

The governor, who expressed shock that some individuals were expressing doubt over the genuineness of the abduction, said, "It is unthinkable for anyone to say such a story could be fabricated.

"We pray that our prayers will be answered and our girls return safely back home."