Evidence of Violence Against Christians Sparks Outcry in Nigeria
In the heart of Nigeria, a pastor’s plea for international intervention has intensified following a series of deadly attacks on Christian communities by Islamic extremists. The clergy’s call for help highlights the ongoing violence and the looming threat of what many are calling a “genocide.”
The Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, a prominent church leader from Plateau state, has become a target for his open criticism of the violence against Christians. On October 24, during a press briefing in Jos, Pastor Dachomo revealed that extremists have threatened his life due to his appeals for protection from the Nigerian and U.S. governments against what he describes as “genocide.”
“My life is in grave danger. Even as I speak, I am on the lookout for attacks,” he said. “I no longer sleep with my eyes closed. I have been attacked before but escaped.” His statements came in the wake of an emotional video released on October 15, where he stood among the bodies of church members killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Rachas and Rawuru villages.
In the video, Dachomo criticized the Nigerian authorities for denying the existence of genocide. “The Nigerian government keeps denying that there’s no genocide against Christians in Nigeria, but look at the corpses that were killed today,” he asserted, urging U.S. President Trump for intervention. He further questioned the claims of Muslim casualties, hinting that Muslims were being killed by fellow Muslims.
Pastor Dachomo has faced further threats, including from military personnel who accused him of incitement for his remarks and video evidence. “Even the Nigerian Army issued a press release against me, accusing me of inciting people,” he said, as reported by The Daily Post. The pastor continues to receive threats via various communication channels and has prepared his community for potential martyrdom. “My grave will speak, my blood will raise war that will lead to Christian liberation,” he declared.
Allegations of Genocide in Northeast Nigeria
Christian leaders in northeastern Nigeria have documented extensive anti-Christian violence, particularly in Gwoza, Borno state. Their report counters claims by a local Muslim senator denying genocide. In a televised statement, these leaders outlined the destruction of church buildings and systematic marginalization of Christians by groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP.
“Gwoza once had a thriving Christian presence. Before the insurgency [which began in 2009], there were more than 176 large church buildings across the local government,” stated the Rev. Filibus Goma and the Rev. Ayuba John Bassa. They highlighted the loss of Christian communities and the lack of government support, questioning whether there is a strategic effort to erase Christian heritage in the region.
The report also noted the disproportionate reconstruction efforts favoring Muslim homes and the lack of Christian representation in local governance. “Reconstruction has been highly uneven. Hundreds of Muslim homes have been rebuilt and thousands rehabilitated on their original land, while virtually no Christian homes have been restored,” they reported.
International Concerns and Continuing Violence
Nigeria is ranked among the most dangerous countries for Christians, with thousands killed for their faith, as per the 2025 World Watch List by Open Doors. The violence has spilled into southern regions, and a new jihadist group, Lakurawa, has emerged, affiliated with Al-Qaeda insurgents.
While most Fulani people do not hold extremist views, some adhere to radical ideologies, posing a threat to Christian communities. “They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity,” noted the United Kingdom’s APPG report.
With Nigeria ranked No. 7 for Christian persecution, the international community watches closely as local leaders and citizens call for accountability and action against the ongoing violence.
This article was originally published at Christian Daily International–Morning Star News
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
