Eagle Eye Opener – Plateau State, Nigeria – In a powerful message of faith and defiance, Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, a prominent Christian leader and Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State, has spoken out against fresh death threats from Fulani herdsmen. The threats come as violence against Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt continues unabated, highlighting the ongoing pattern of insecurity and targeted persecution often linked to islamization efforts in the region.
In his statement shared on social media, Rev. Dachomo revealed that Fulani herdsmen recently sent a threatening letter written in both Hausa and English, vowing to attack and kill him soon—just as they had murdered nine of his relatives. Copies of the letter have been handed over to security operatives. Despite the grave danger, the outspoken pastor declared he is not afraid.
“My life is in the hands of Almighty God,” he affirmed, quoting Psalm 118:6: “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do unto me?”
Rev. Dachomo spoke from a place of deep personal loss, having buried loved ones and comforted orphaned children and grieving families whose only “crime” was refusing to deny Jesus Christ. He questioned the world: What is his crime? Speaking for widows, crying for orphans, documenting the persecution of Christians, and preaching the Gospel while refusing to stay silent?
“If that is my crime, then I will continue until my last breath,” he vowed. Citing John 15:20 and Romans 8:35, he emphasized that persecution cannot separate believers from the love of Christ. “They may threaten my life but they cannot silence the truth. They may kill the messenger but they cannot kill the message.”
This latest threat is part of a sustained campaign against Rev. Dachomo, who has presided over dozens of mass burials for Christian victims of Fulani militant attacks in Plateau State. He has repeatedly described the violence as a “Christian genocide,” drawing international attention despite facing backlash, platform restrictions, and warnings even from elements linked to the Nigerian government.
Broader Context of Insecurity and Targeted Violence
Nigeria’s Middle Belt, particularly Plateau, Benue, and Kaduna states, has seen relentless attacks by Fulani herdsmen and Islamist extremists on predominantly Christian farming communities. These incidents involve killings, destruction of homes, displacement, and destruction of farmlands—patterns that many local leaders and advocates link not merely to farmer-herder clashes but to religious targeting and land-grabbing as part of broader islamization.
Recent weeks have seen multiple deadly assaults:
- Attacks in Bokkos, Riyom, and other areas claiming dozens of lives, including entire families and pastors.
- Continued displacement, with survivors mourning loved ones and facing inadequate security response.
Rev. Dachomo’s courage stands in stark contrast to government narratives that often downplay the religious dimension. His refusal to flee abroad, despite offers of asylum, underscores his commitment: “I’m going nowhere. I stand with them [persecuted Christians].”
A Call to the World
In his message, Rev. Dachomo urged the global community not to look away:
“Remember the widows. Remember the orphans. Remember the innocent Christians who continue to suffer simply because of their faith. Stand with us in prayer. Stand with us in truth. Stand with us in demanding justice.”
He concluded with the words of the Apostle Paul (2 Timothy 4:7): “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” And a prayer for strength, comfort, and eventual justice and peace.
As insecurity and religiously motivated violence persist in Nigeria, stories like Rev. Dachomo’s serve as a stark reminder of the human cost. Eagle Eye Opener will continue monitoring and reporting these developments. We call on authorities to provide genuine protection, investigate threats thoroughly, and address the root causes fueling this cycle of terror.
Pray for Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, his church, and all persecuted believers in Nigeria. Share this story—truth must not be silenced.