A prominent Plateau State clergyman, Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, has raised alarm over alleged threats to his life, claiming that individuals linked to the Presidency have warned him to stop speaking publicly about the persistent killings of Christians in Plateau and other parts of northern Nigeria.
Rev. Dachomo, who serves as the Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, made the claims in a video that went viral on Friday, sparking widespread debate across social media platforms and within religious circles.
According to him, the threats began shortly after he intensified public advocacy against what he repeatedly described as the ongoing “genocide” targeted at Christian communities in Plateau State. For months, he has been one of the loudest voices documenting and condemning attacks that have left villages destroyed and hundreds displaced.
“Aso Rock is Watching My Every Move”
In the viral video, Rev. Dachomo alleged that top aides and loyalists of President Bola Tinubu were behind the warnings.
“They are threatening and warning me to stop exposing Tinubu’s government at the global level over the ongoing killings of Christians in Nigeria by Fulani terrorists,” he said. “They say they’re watching my every move from Aso Rock.”
The cleric claimed he received specific phone calls from individuals who identified themselves as officials within the presidential circle.
“Somebody from Aso Rock called me and said, ‘Reverend, stop exposing the government, your own government, your country.’ He told me they are monitoring every one of my moves from Aso Rock,” he stated.
He added that he was shocked by the warnings, noting that such calls came at moments when he was mourning fresh victims of violence.
Refusal to Stay Silent
Despite the alleged threats, Rev. Dachomo said he was determined not to be intimidated into silence.
“I will continue speaking out because lives are at stake,” he insisted. “The same government that claims I am exposing them is exposing us to Fulani killings by refusing to stop these attacks. Their silence is endangering Christians all over Nigeria.”
He narrated an emotional moment earlier in the day when he received another distress call while visiting a gravesite near Abuja where victims of recent attacks were buried.
“I was at the gravesite near Abuja today,” he said. “As I was climbing Awankibo, a call came. I thought it was another attack. The person said, ‘Reverend, have you heard what is happening?’ I asked, ‘What again?’ They said it was worse than before.”
According to him, terrorist groups, including factions of Boko Haram and ISWAP, have been emboldened by the government’s lack of firm action.
“Now Boko Haram, ISWAP, even though divided, are rejoicing. They kill because they know the government cannot stop them,” he lamented. “By their silence, they have exposed us to Islamic terrorists.”
Dachomo Challenges Government Narrative
Rev. Dachomo strongly criticized government officials and public figures who insist there is no genocide happening in Plateau and other conflict-affected areas.
He took particular aim at Kaduna-based cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, who recently claimed no genocide was taking place and accused communities of exaggerating casualty numbers.
“Gumi said all the corpses we buried are lies, that we buried empty coffins,” Dachomo said angrily. “I have made his name known. He must appear before Interpol, even if he hides in Saudi Arabia. They will track him down.”
He added that he wants relevant authorities—including the Minister of Defense, the State Security Service, and senior security chiefs—to visit mass grave sites to verify the truth for themselves.
“Let Them Come and See the Graves”
The cleric challenged anyone doubting his claims to join him for a transparent inspection of the graves.
“All stakeholders must visit the gravesite,” he declared. “Let us dig the grave and see what is there. Who is lying? Turning my tears into hypocrisy?”
He revealed that he has instructed youths in affected communities to guard graves and memorial sites, fearing that “mercenaries may come at night” to tamper with evidence of the killings.
He also appealed to security operatives stationed in the communities to provide protection for the burial sites, the grieving families, and the monuments erected in memory of victims.
Call for the Judiciary and Military Leadership to Witness the Reality
Rev. Dachomo specifically invited the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) to be physically present at the graves.
“If they want to be sincere and factual, they should be there,” he emphasized. “This is not an empty coffin.”
He added that allowing national and international officials to witness the graves would settle the debate over whether the Christian communities are exaggerating their losses.
Emotional Breakdown
Towards the end of the video, Rev. Dachomo could be seen fighting back tears as he spoke about the suffering of his people.
“God of vengeance will fight for us,” he wept. “Go to my Facebook, and you will see me crying at the grave.”
His emotional outburst has since drawn sympathy from many Nigerians online, with several calling for an independent investigation into the killings and the alleged harassment of religious leaders who speak about them.
Government Yet to Respond
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the Presidency or security agencies regarding Rev. Dachomo’s allegations. The claims are expected to fuel further public debate on Nigeria’s handling of religiously motivated violence, particularly in Plateau State, which has suffered recurrent attacks for nearly two decades.
Civil society groups and Christian organizations have also begun to weigh in, with many urging the government to provide clarity on the alleged threats and address rising concerns over freedom of speech, religious safety, and accountability in the fight against terrorism.
