Amid mounting fears of widespread crop failure, thousands of Muslim faithful in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State gathered on Saturday to hold special prayers (Istisqa) following a devastating prolonged dry spell.

The emergency prayer sessions were organized after days of voluntary fasting, repentance, and deep supplication. Farmers in the region report that the weeks-long drought has already caused staple crops to wilt, threatening the livelihoods of thousands in one of the state`s most critical agricultural hubs.

Early Saturday morning, worshippers packed into various Eid grounds across Hong. Leading the congregation at the Central Eid Ground, Chief Imam Saidu Garba delivered a sobering sermon. He urged the community to shun sinful acts, practice righteousness, and seek Allah’s divine intervention to end the drought.

Among the high-profile dignitaries in attendance was the Executive Chairman of the Hong Local Government Council, Aliyu Saad Yerima, who joined citizens in absolute submission to pray for urgent relief.

The stakes remain exceptionally high for the region. Hong is a major food basket for Adamawa State, boasting vast expanses of farmland dedicated to cultivation. The local government area produces massive quantities of maize, groundnuts, rice, and beans, and is also home to major commercial agricultural ventures, including the expansive cotton farms owned by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.

Local experts warn that if the dry spell persists for another week, the resulting harvest deficit could trigger severe food inflation and scarcity across the entire state.