#BringBackOurGirls: Shettima declares 3-day fasting

Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno on Friday declared three days of prayers and fasting to seek divine intervention to rescue the more than 200 school girls abducted by insurgents in Chibok. The governor made the announcement while addressing members of the Kibaku Area Development Association (KADA), Chibok, who were protesting 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 fasting 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 returned safely back home.'' Earlier, Mr Alabe Grema, the Spokesman of KADA, had urged the Federal Government to take concrete steps to free the abducted girls. He said 'my people have been facing psychological trauma following the abduction of the girls.'' Grema also presented a letter to Shettima for onward delivery to President Goodluck Jonathan on the issue. (NAN)