A group of Muslims in Plateau State, Nigeria, has criticized a Christian leader for making inflammatory comments about the conversion of a church into a mosque. The Mangu Concerned Muslim Consultative Forum (MCMCF) accused Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, of spreading false information. According to the MCMCF, Reverend Dachomo claimed that Muslims in Mangu had converted a COCIN church building into a mosque after recent attacks in the area.
The MCMCF described the claim as “inflammatory, reckless, and completely unsubstantiated.” In a statement, the group said the allegation was a deliberate attempt to incite hatred and derail the fragile peace in the local government. The group demanded that Reverend Dachomo provide proof of his claim, including the name of the church, the location, and the date of the alleged conversion.
The MCMCF stated that Muslims in Mangu had protected COCIN churches and Christian properties in their areas during times of attack. The group cited the example of a COCIN church in Sabon Kasuwa, which remains intact and untouched in a Muslim community. In contrast, the group noted that mosques in the area had been destroyed and desecrated, including those in Mangu Daawo, which have been turned into refuse dumps and open defecation sites.
The MCMCF criticized Reverend Dachomo’s selective outrage, pointing out that his comments ignored the suffering of Muslims in the area. The group called for an end to “destructive rumor-mongering” and demanded that Reverend Dachomo retract his statement or provide evidence to support his claim. The incident highlights the tensions between Christian and Muslim communities in Plateau State, where conflicts over land and resources have led to violence and displacement.
The MCMCF’s statement reflects the concerns of many Muslims in the area, who feel that their community is being unfairly maligned and stereotyped. The group’s call for calm and restraint is seen as an attempt to prevent further escalation of the conflict. As the situation in Plateau State remains volatile, it is essential for community leaders to promote understanding and respect between different religious groups. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for accurate information and responsible leadership in times of crisis.
