Christian Communities in Plateau Under Threat, Says Rev DachomoRev Ezekiel Dachomo has raised serious alarm over what he described as growing threats against Christian communities in Plateau State, saying extremist groups have begun collecting money from residents to buy weapons for planned attacks. According to him, women are being forced to pay N100,000, while men are told to pay N200,000, allegedly to help fund the purchase of arms.
The cleric made the claims at the Glory Dome in Abuja during a church gathering. He said intelligence reaching him suggests that the funds being collected by these groups are part of a plan to launch major assaults on Christian settlements during the Christmas period.
Rev Dachomo said the intention of the attackers is to disrupt Christmas celebrations and displace more communities. “They have vowed we will not spend our Christmas this year. They say we will run with rice in our hands because they are ready for jihad,” he said.
With Christmas only weeks away, the cleric’s warning has added to growing fear across parts of Plateau State, which has experienced repeated violence over the years. Many communities in the state—especially in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Mangu, Bokkos, and Bassa local government areas—have suffered deadly attacks blamed on armed groups, including bandits and suspected militias.
These attacks have often occurred around festive periods, farming seasons, or times when communities gather for major events. Security analysts say attackers sometimes choose such moments to cause maximum fear and displacement.
Rev Dachomo said the latest intelligence indicates that the extremist groups are preparing for coordinated strikes, using funds allegedly collected from villagers under threat. He warned that the situation may worsen if authorities do not act urgently.
While describing the situation as a matter of national concern, the cleric emphasized that prayer remains the strongest defense for the affected communities. “Your prayer is more than AK-47. It’s more than rocket launchers. Let’s launch our prayers to heaven,” he said, urging Nigerians to pray for peace and safety, especially for people living in remote villages.
He also made a passionate appeal for protection of Christian communities, saying many families have already lost loved ones and property to ongoing violence. “Christians must be safe. There is a genocide in Nigeria. Pray for us in Jesus’ name,” he said.
Although his comments reflect deep worry among residents, the cleric did not provide specific names of the groups allegedly collecting the money. Security agencies have also not yet released an official statement on his claims.
Plateau State has faced cycles of conflict for nearly two decades. What began as clashes between farmers and herders has expanded into complex violence involving armed groups, bandits, and criminal networks. Thousands of people have been killed since the early 2000s, and many communities remain displaced.
In recent years, mass killings in Mangu, Bokkos, and Riyom LGAs have drawn national and international attention. Several reports from local and foreign organizations have highlighted issues such as land disputes, cattle grazing conflicts, ethnic tensions, and the presence of heavily armed militias.
Despite several military operations and special security deployments, attacks have continued in some areas, often targeting farming communities in the early morning hours or late at night.
The federal and Plateau State governments have, at different times, launched initiatives aimed at addressing insecurity. These include military task forces, dialogue committees, and peace-building projects. However, many residents say the response is still not enough, especially in rural communities where security presence is thin.
Human rights groups and community leaders have repeatedly called for stronger action, including better intelligence gathering, arrest and prosecution of attackers, and improved support for displaced families.
Rev Dachomo’s warning adds pressure on authorities to act swiftly. His claim that extremists are openly collecting money to buy weapons suggests a level of organization and boldness that, if true, could pose a serious risk to public safety.
Local leaders across Plateau State have urged residents to remain vigilant during the festive season. Many communities are setting up voluntary watch groups, although these groups are often poorly equipped and rely mainly on early warning and communication with nearby villages.
At the end of his address, Rev Dachomo called on Nigerians of all faiths to join in praying for peace in Plateau State and across the country. He said the rising tension should be a wake-up call for both citizens and government officials.
“We need God’s mercy. We need protection. Our people want to celebrate Christmas in peace, not in fear,” he said.
As the festive season approaches, many residents are now hoping that authorities will move quickly to prevent any planned attacks, while praying that this Christmas will not be marked by tragedy.
