A prominent Plateau State cleric, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, has sounded a fresh alarm over what he describes as renewed death threats and a bounty placed on his head by Islamist extremists. Dachomo, who leads the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, made the disclosure on his X handle on Monday, stating that he and two other pastors are now marked targets for speaking out against the government.
Returning to Nigeria after a medical trip to India, the clergyman expressed shock that threats against him have escalated, with extremists increasing a previously announced bounty and urging Muslims to hunt him down. “They have marked me for death because I speak the truth,” he wrote, acknowledging that while he fears death as a human, his resolve remains unshaken.
He lamented that his sole offense is advocating for the voiceless, which has made him a prime target for terrorists. Yet, Dachomo insists he cannot abandon his congregation. “My name has become a target, my life has been priced by men who hate the truth. But even with the threats and fear, I cannot abandon my people,” he stated.
In an emotional appeal, Dachomo described the daily terror he faces: waking up unsure if he will see another sunset, sleeping without certainty about tomorrow. He questioned how he could remain silent while innocent people suffer, widows mourn, children become orphans, and families are buried in grief. “I have seen mothers weep over lifeless children; I have heard little boys and girls ask heartbreaking questions—where is my father, why did they kill my mother, when is she coming back? Their tears have become mine, their pain is my burden,” he said.
Admitting fear, Dachomo referenced scripture, saying God has not given a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). He drew strength from Matthew 5:10, which pronounces blessings on those persecuted for righteousness’ sake. “The path of truth has never been easy. Prophets, apostles, and even our Savior suffered, yet they stood firm, knowing darkness cannot overcome light,” he added.
The clergyman noted that while some days the burden feels heavy, he finds solace in Isaiah 41:10, which promises divine strength and help. “If speaking for the voiceless makes me a target, I will continue to speak. If standing with the oppressed puts my life at risk, I will continue to stand. If defending my people means carrying a cross of persecution, by God’s grace I will carry it,” he concluded.
Dachomo reaffirmed his commitment to every child who has lost a parent, every mother who cries alone, every father taken from his family, and every believer suffering for their faith. “They may threaten us, try to silence us, put a reward on our heads, but our hope is in God. As long as He gives us breath, we will stand with our people, speak truth, comfort the brokenhearted, and shine His light in the darkness,” he said.