A prominent Plateau State clergyman, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, has raised alarm that Boko Haram terrorists have placed a bounty on his head because of his constant campaign against the killings happening in Plateau and other parts of the Middle Belt. The pastor, who is the Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, made the claim in a video shared widely on social media on Thursday.
In the video, Rev. Dachomo said he received credible information that members of the terrorist group have promised a “handsome reward” to anyone who can track him down and kill him. He said the threat is linked to his continued efforts to expose what he describes as “Christian genocide” in Plateau and surrounding states, where attacks on rural communities have continued for many years.
The cleric has recently posted several videos showing the aftermath of deadly attacks, including mass burials and destroyed villages. These videos have drawn attention and sparked online discussions about the security situation in Plateau. However, his outspoken nature has also attracted controversy and led to clashes with the authorities.
Rev. Dachomo said that his Facebook and Instagram accounts were recently deleted. According to him, Meta, the parent company of both platforms, told him that his posts could threaten Nigeria’s internal security. He said the action is part of a wider attempt to silence him and stop him from showing the world what is happening in his community.
He also alleged that certain individuals close to President Bola Tinubu have been warning him to stop posting videos of killings and mass graves. He did not reveal the names of those he said contacted him, but he insisted that the pressure is growing.
“People loyal to the President have been calling me and threatening me, telling me to stop posting the videos,” he said. “But I cannot stop. If I stop, who will speak for the people who are dying every day?”
In the video, the cleric spoke strongly and firmly, saying he is aware that his life is in serious danger.
“Boko Haram, the Islamic terrorists, have placed a bounty on my head, and anyone who kills me first will be rewarded,” he declared.
He said he received the information from reliable sources who have connections within the terrorist group. While he did not give details about how he got the information, he insisted that the threat is real and serious.
Despite this, Rev. Dachomo said he will not stop speaking out. He said he knew from the beginning that his work would put him in danger, but he is ready to pay the price.
“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 said. “My death will be more dangerous to them than now that I am alive.”
Plateau State has experienced deadly attacks for more than two decades. Many of the attacks are linked to clashes between farming communities and armed groups often described as bandits or terrorists. Christian communities, especially in rural areas, have suffered large numbers of casualties and displacement.
Security analysts say that some of the violence is connected to Boko Haram and other extremist groups that have spread from the North-East into parts of the North-Central region. Many communities in Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Riyom, Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas have been attacked repeatedly.
Over the years, several religious and community leaders have spoken out, accusing the government of failing to protect vulnerable communities. Many families have been displaced, while mass burials have become a tragic and familiar scene in affected areas.
Rev. Dachomo has become one of the most outspoken voices on this issue, and many of his videos have gone viral, drawing national and international attention.
In his message, Rev. Dachomo said the issue is not just about him but about national security and the future of Nigeria.
“This is not just about me; it is about every Nigerian who desires peace and safety,” he said. “We need support to stand against this terrorism.”
He asked Nigerians, religious leaders, and international organisations to pay closer attention to what is happening in Plateau and the Middle Belt. He said the killings have continued for too long and the world must not remain silent.
Members of the COCIN church and local residents in Barkin Ladi expressed worry about the threat against their pastor. Some said they fear for his life, while others said his boldness has given them hope that at least someone is speaking for them.
A church elder who asked not to be named said, “We are worried, but we also know he is doing what many people are afraid to do. He is speaking the truth.”
Another member said the pastor has been receiving threats for months but has refused to stop.
As of the time of this report, there was no official comment from the Plateau State Government, the Federal Government, or the military on Rev. Dachomo’s claims. Security agencies have also not confirmed whether they are investigating the alleged threat.
However, the Plateau State Government has in the past condemned attacks and promised to work with security agencies to restore peace. The Federal Government has also repeatedly said it is working to defeat terrorism across the country.
The claim by Rev. Dachomo adds to the growing fear among many residents who believe that attacks in the Middle Belt are taking a more organised form. Many families in rural areas continue to live in fear, while some communities have been abandoned due to repeated violence.
Human rights groups have also raised concerns that the region could face more crises if the government does not take stronger action to protect civilians.
“I do not fear death,” he said again in the video. “If my death will help Nigeria understand what is happening, then so be it.”
