A group of Muslims in Plateau State, Nigeria, has condemned a Christian leader for making inflammatory remarks about the alleged 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 turned a COCIN church building into a mosque after recent attacks in the area. The forum described the claim as “inflammatory, reckless, and completely unsubstantiated,” and said it was a deliberate attempt to incite hatred and undermine the fragile peace in the local government.
In a statement, the MCMCF demanded that Reverend Dachomo provide proof of his allegation, including the name of the church, its location, and the date of the supposed conversion. The group emphasized that Muslims in Mangu have protected COCIN churches and Christian properties during periods of attack. It cited a COCIN church in Sabon Kasuwa, which remains intact and untouched within a Muslim community, as an example. In contrast, the forum noted that mosques in the area have been destroyed and desecrated, mentioning those in Mangu Daawo that have been turned into refuse dumps and open‑defecation sites.
The MCMCF criticized Reverend Dachomo’s selective outrage, arguing that his comments ignored the suffering of Muslims in the region. It called for an end to “destructive rumor‑mongering” and demanded that the reverend either retract his statement or provide evidence to support it. The incident underscores the tensions between Christian and Muslim communities in Plateau State, where disputes over land and resources have sparked violence and displacement. The MCMCF’s statement reflects the concerns of many local Muslims, who feel their community is being unfairly maligned and stereotyped. Their call for calm and restraint aims 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 religious groups, highlighting the need for accurate information and responsible leadership in times of crisis.
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