Plateau Christian Youth Group Vows to Protect Cleric Amid Backlash Over Remarks
A prominent Christian youth organisation in Nigeria’s Plateau State has pledged to hold accountable any Muslim leaders who harm Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, following widespread condemnation of his remarks linking Allah to violence.
The Plateau Christians Youth Forum (PCYF) issued a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, throwing its support behind the Barkin Ladi-based cleric. Rev. Dachomo, who is also the regional chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), is known for his vocal stance on alleged Christian persecution in the Middle Belt region.
The controversy stems from recent statements made by Rev. Dachomo during a mass burial for victims of an attack. He asserted that Islamist extremists who shout “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the greatest) while killing Christians are proof the killings are carried out in the name of their god. His comment interpreted the attackers’ slogan as evidence that Islam endorses violence against non-adherents.
This ignited immediate backlash from Islamic scholars and Muslim groups. Several organisations, including one called “The Fulani Defenders,” issued statements accusing Rev. Dachomo of making inflammatory comments that incite religious tension. They called on state authorities to arrest and prosecute him, arguing his words threaten the fragile peace in Plateau State and could spark further violence.
In response, the PCYF argued the reverend’s comments were made in the heat of grief during yet another burial for “promising youths” slaughtered by extremists. The youth group’s coordinator, Markus Malum, stated Rev. Dachomo’s remark merely “buttressed the fact” about the attackers’ motives.
The PCYF warned Muslim leaders to cease their attacks on the clergyman. “If anything happens to Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, we will hold them responsible,” the statement declared. The forum also called on security agencies to provide round-the-clock protection for Rev. Dachomo and to investigate and arrest the Muslim leaders and groups issuing threats.
The incident highlights the deep religious sensitivities in Plateau State, a region with a long history of ethno-religious conflicts. It underscores the volatile nature of public discourse following episodes of communal violence, where statements by religious figures can rapidly escalate tensions between communities. The state government and security forces now face pressure to manage the fallout and prevent any further escalation.
