BANDITS BOUNTY: Plateau Pastor Faces Deadly Threats From Terrorists While Advocating Against Growing Insecurity Nationwide

 

Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, the outspoken Plateau State cleric and Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations in Barkin Ladi, has raised fresh alarms over his safety following what he describes as a direct threat from Boko Haram militants. According to Dachomo, the Islamist group has placed a bounty on his head, promising a substantial reward to anyone who can track him down and assassinate him.

The cleric made the alarming claims in a video shared widely on social media platforms on Thursday. He stated that his consistent advocacy against Christian killings, mass burials, and acts of violence in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria has drawn the attention of both terrorist elements and certain political actors.

Rev. Dachomo’s anti-genocide stance, he says, has created tension with Nigerian authorities, as individuals reportedly loyal to President Bola Tinubu have warned him to stop posting videos documenting violence against Christians. In addition to threats from political quarters, Dachomo revealed that his Facebook and Instagram accounts have been deleted, with Meta citing concerns that his content could threaten Nigeria’s internal security.

Despite the growing risks, Dachomo emphasized his commitment to speaking out. “Boko Haram, the Islamic terrorists, have placed a bounty on my head, and anyone who kills me first will be rewarded,” he declared in the video. The cleric added that he possesses credible intelligence indicating the seriousness of the threat against him and the desire of the group to eliminate his influence and visibility.

His advocacy work has consistently drawn attention to the plight of Christian communities in Plateau State and across Nigeria. Rev. Dachomo insisted that the dangers he faces will not deter him, describing his mission as larger than personal safety. “Before I embarked on this journey of exposing Christian genocide in Plateau and in Nigeria, I knew my life would be in danger, but I do not fear death,” he stated.

The cleric further highlighted that his death, should it occur, would carry more consequences than his continued advocacy, framing his activism as a collective fight for justice and peace. He underscored that his efforts are not solely for personal reasons but for every Nigerian seeking safety and protection amid escalating insecurity and targeted violence.

Advocates for human rights and religious freedom have expressed concern over the threats, warning that attacks on outspoken figures like Rev. Dachomo not only endanger individual lives but also threaten the broader effort to expose and address systemic violence. The cleric called on Nigerians and the international community to support his work in standing against terrorism, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about the ongoing persecution of Christian communities in Plateau State and beyond.

Rev. Dachomo’s warning reflects the persistent challenges facing religious and civil society leaders who speak against violent extremist groups in Nigeria. Despite the personal risks, his statements and continued activism shine a spotlight on the urgent need for national and international interventions to protect vulnerable communities and uphold human rights.