A prominent Plateau State religious leader has announced plans to institute legal proceedings against the Nigerian government at the International Criminal Court over what he describes as systematic targeting of Christians in northern Nigeria.
Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, who serves as Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, disclosed this intention during a television interview with News Central TV and subsequent social media statements.
The cleric has embarked on a personal documentation mission across multiple states, visiting affected communities to compile evidence including eyewitness testimonies, mass burial records, and photographic documentation of destroyed churches and villages.
According to Rev. Dachomo, his investigation has uncovered numerous unreported attacks where Christian communities suffered significant casualties. He specifically referenced the March 7, 2010 attack on Dogo Nahawa in Jos South Local Government Area, claiming over 500 residents lost their lives in a single night during that incident.
The religious leader revealed that his own village has experienced multiple attacks resulting in more than 50 deaths, including members of his family and close associates. In one particularly harrowing account, he stated that the wife and five children of his closest friend were killed in a fire attack.
Speaking about his documentation efforts, Rev. Dachomo explained that he intends to visit Jaruwa, Wurekum, Doruwa, Mangu, and Bokkos to compile a comprehensive report for international bodies. He described an incident in Jaruwa where he alleges worshippers were trapped inside a church building that was set ablaze during a service, with none surviving the attack.
The cleric has also criticized both the federal government and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for what he perceives as inadequate response to the violence. He expressed particular frustration with official denials of systematic attacks, stating that such denials have only strengthened his resolve to pursue international accountability.
In his television interview, Rev. Dachomo made controversial allegations about the recruitment of former Boko Haram members into Nigeria’s security forces, suggesting this has compromised the safety of Christian communities. He also accused the Miyetti Allah association of involvement in attacks and indicated plans to include them in his ICC petition.
The pastor expressed strong support for United States intervention in the matter, referencing President Donald Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern for religious freedom violations.
Since making his intentions public, Rev. Dachomo has reportedly received both financial support and security assistance from concerned Nigerians and international organizations. Social media posts show numerous donations ranging from small amounts to substantial contributions, with Rev. Dachomo confirming that over N7 million has been raised to support victims’ families and displaced persons.
The cleric acknowledged awareness of alleged threats to his safety but maintained that divine protection and his commitment to justice outweigh personal security concerns. He stated that some individuals have arranged private security for his family, though he emphasized his reliance on faith rather than human protection.
When questioned about potential communication with United States government officials regarding his allegations, Rev. Dachomo declined to provide details, characterizing such matters as private.
The Nigerian government has consistently attributed violence in the Middle Belt region to competition over resources between farmers and herders rather than religious motivations. Officials have rejected characterizations of the conflict as genocide or systematic religious persecution.
Rev. Dachomo’s campaign has drawn widespread attention on social media platforms, with many Nigerians expressing support for his documentation efforts and calls for international intervention.