No fewer than 2,500 Christians on Monday gathered in Maiduguri, Borno State, to seek God’s intervention in addressing the lingering insecurity affecting the state and other parts of Nigeria.

The faithful converged at EYN LCC Maiduguri for the annual Easter Monday prayer rally organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno State chapter. The event brought together various church denominations in a show of unity and collective worship.

The Secretary of CAN in Borno State, Apostle Joshua Akeredolu Michael, disclosed that over 2,500 faithful, including 86 clergymen, attended the rally.

He urged Christians to continue to love one another and offer prayers for peace in Borno State, Nigeria, and across the world.

Speaking at the gathering, the Borno State CAN chairman, Most Rev. Dr John Bogna Bakeni, described the rally as a unifying service that transcends denominational differences.

He explained that while individual churches observe distinct rituals during Holy Week, Easter Monday provides an opportunity for all Christian bodies to come together as one.

“In the service, we prayed in thanksgiving to God. We also prayed for the country. The greatest burden on us is the lingering Boko Haram insurgency. We are not yet out of the woods, but we give God thanks that we were able to celebrate Easter peacefully,” Bakeni said.

He commended the efforts of the Borno State government and security agencies for ensuring a hitch-free Easter celebration but noted that insecurity remains a major concern.

“The cloud of insecurity is still hovering over the state and the country, which we prayed God to bring to an end. Let us remain united and peaceful,” he emphasised.

Also speaking, the resident pastor of EYN LCC Maiduguri, Rev. Usman Waziri Dibal, said the unity service provided an opportunity for Christians to jointly celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the redemption of mankind.