Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, a prominent religious leader and regional chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, Nigeria, has sensationally alleged that terrorists have placed a bounty on his head. This grave threat reportedly stems from his outspoken condemnation of what he describes as the ongoing massacre of Christians in the region. The cleric’s claims underscore the perilous environment faced by those who speak out against violence in Nigeria’s volatile Middle Belt.

According to Rev. Dachomo, an informant recently revealed that a plot had been concluded by these groups to offer a reward to anyone who successfully kills him. “They have put a bounty on my head. They said anyone that kills me first will be rewarded,” he stated, recounting the chilling details. Despite the profound danger, the reverend asserts his fearlessness, noting his continued movement through areas often associated with the alleged perpetrators, where he claims he is frequently pointed out.

This is not the first time Rev. Dachomo has drawn attention to the plight of Christians in Plateau State. He gained recognition for his fervent appeals to international bodies, including a direct call to then-US President Donald Trump, urging intervention in what he consistently labels a “Christian genocide” within Nigeria. His activism highlights a deep-seated concern among many religious leaders regarding sectarian violence and its impact on their communities.

The threats against Rev. Dachomo reportedly extend beyond his personal safety. He also alleges that his children face discrimination when seeking university admissions, particularly in northern Nigeria, a consequence he attributes directly to his vocal stance against the persistent attacks on Christian populations. This alleged academic ostracization, if true, would represent a concerning form of reprisal against a family for their father’s advocacy.

Despite these multifaceted dangers – a direct bounty, public recognition as a target, and alleged discrimination against his family – Rev. Dachomo maintains an unwavering resolve. He continues his pastoral duties and advocacy without personal security, firmly committed to his mission of speaking out against the reported violence and advocating for the protection of Christian communities in Plateau State. His defiance serves as a powerful symbol for many.

Plateau State, located in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, has long been a flashpoint for deadly ethno-religious and farmer-herder conflicts. These clashes, often characterized by tit-for-tat attacks between predominantly Christian farming communities and largely Muslim pastoralist groups, have resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement over decades. The complexity of these conflicts involves land disputes, resource scarcity, ethnic tensions, and religious identities, making resolution exceptionally challenging.

The persistent insecurity in regions like Plateau State contributes to a broader narrative of instability across Nigeria, which grapples with multiple security crises, including the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, widespread banditry, and kidnappings. Critics frequently question the effectiveness of government responses to these multifaceted threats, particularly regarding the protection of vulnerable communities and the pursuit of justice for victims.

Allegations of bounties on religious leaders and discrimination against their families raise significant concerns about human rights, religious freedom, and the civic space for advocacy in Nigeria. Such threats can have a chilling effect, discouraging others from speaking truth to power and advocating for their communities, thereby undermining efforts towards peace and accountability.

Rev. Dachomo has consistently stated that he possesses documented evidence to substantiate his claims regarding the massacres and the alleged genocide. These assertions underscore the urgent need for independent verification and thorough investigation by both national authorities and international human rights organizations to ascertain the full scope of the violence and the credibility of the threats against him.

The international community, including various human rights groups and religious freedom advocates, has consistently monitored the situation in Nigeria, often calling for greater protection for all citizens, irrespective of their faith or ethnicity. The allegations made by Rev. Dachomo further intensify these calls for global attention and potential intervention to prevent further loss of life and uphold fundamental human rights.

Read Original

Keywords: Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, Plateau State violence, Christian genocide Nigeria, Terrorist bounty, Barkin Ladi, Religious persecution Nigeria, COCIN chairman, Nigeria security crisis