Popular Plateau Cleric Accuses CAN, Tinubu Government of Covering Up Christian Killings

A well-known Plateau State cleric, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, has accused the Nigerian government and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) of concealing the ongoing killings of Christians in the northern region.

The fiery preacher, who serves as a regional leader of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), described the situation as a “systematic genocide” and vowed to take the matter before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Rev. Dachomo said he had begun a personal campaign to gather evidence of mass killings in Plateau, Benue, and other northern states.

According to him, the findings will be compiled into a detailed report to be submitted to the United States government and international bodies for investigation.

Speaking in an interview, he accused both the federal government and CAN of deliberately downplaying the scale of the attacks, saying their silence had encouraged the perpetrators.

“The world needs to know that what we are saying is not false. I will go to any length to prove that this government is lying. We are also planning to take Nigeria before the International Criminal Court and sue the Miyetti Allah association for their role in these atrocities,” Dachomo stated.

The cleric, who came to national attention during the mass burial of victims in Heipang, Plateau State, said he had personally visited several communities affected by attacks.

He claimed to have recorded videos, gathered testimonies, and identified mass graves.
“Since the Federal Government claimed there was no genocide, that statement has pushed me to intensify this work. CAN is also denying the genocide, so I’m determined to prove them wrong,” he said.

Rev. Dachomo recounted visiting massacre sites including Dogo Nahawa, where he said more than 500 people were killed in a single night, and his own village where 23 residents — including his best friend’s wife and five children — were burnt alive.

“I intend to cover all areas where Christians have been attacked. In my own village, 23 people were killed in one night. My best friend’s wife and five children were burnt alive. Just last week, seven people were killed in Jaruwa. In Jaruwa, worshippers were burnt alive during a church service. None survived because the terrorists surrounded the building, set it on fire with gas lamps, and trapped everyone inside,” he added.

When asked if he had been officially contacted by the U.S. government over the issue, he declined to comment, saying, “That one is private.”

Despite reports of threats to his life, Rev. Dachomo said he was not afraid. “I’m safe. God has sent angels to guide me, and they are in charge of my life now. Some people have hired security men to protect my family, but my life is in God’s hands. I have no fear of anyone,” he said.

His campaign has since gained public support online. Many Nigerians on social media have been donating to his mission and the victims of the attacks. On X (formerly Twitter), users shared proof of transfers ranging from ₦1,000 to ₦50,000 in support of the cleric’s cause.

One user wrote, “I called Rev. Ezekiel. We spoke at length; I thanked him immensely for standing strong in the face of adversity. He permitted me to go ahead and send my little quota in support of the ministry.” Another user, @Imma1000, said: “I have sent the little I have. I pray our Lord Jesus Christ strengthens him to overcome this perilous time. To all those affected, may God show mercy.”

Confirming the donations, Rev. Dachomo disclosed that over ₦7 million had been raised so far to assist widows, orphans, and internally displaced persons. “I gave them the church account, but the people refused. They said they would not put it in the church account; they said it’s me they are helping. So far, the donation for the church is over ₦7 million,” he revealed.

He added that the money was being distributed through local church committees to help survivors, support hospital patients, and provide small grants to farmers who lost their farmlands to attacks.

However, the ongoing violence in Plateau and other northern states has continued to draw criticism from rights groups and international observers, many of whom have urged the Nigerian government to take stronger action to protect vulnerable communities.