“If I’m Kidnapped, Don’t Pay Ransom. My Death Will Awaken Change” — Rev. Dachomo
A Plateau-based cleric and regional leader of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Evangelist Ezekiel Dachomo, has stirred national conversation after a video of him went viral in which he urged that no ransom be paid should he ever be kidnapped.
In the widely shared clip, Dachomo said his death would “raise war” and ultimately contribute to what he described as the liberation of Christians in Nigeria. “I don’t know where I will be next, but for me, I’ve already told my family and members; if they kidnap me, nobody should contribute one kobo. My grave will speak, my blood will raise war that will lead to Christians’ liberation,” he said.
The cleric, who is Regional Chairman of COCIN in Barkin Ladi, said he had accepted the risks of speaking out about recurring violence and killings across parts of northern Nigeria, particularly attacks he says target Christian communities. “That day is coming, I am just waiting for them. Even I will tell them, kill me quickly because nobody will bring kobo,” he added in the clip.
Dachomo had earlier posted footage of a mass burial for 13 victims of attacks in Heipang and Rawuru communities, near Jos. He said the burial video was intended as evidence of what he termed an “ongoing Christian genocide” in parts of the North and as a record that the world could not deny or forget.
The cleric told journalists in Jos that his public stance has drawn threats to his life. Speaking on Friday, he said he no longer sleeps with his eyes closed and that he has survived previous attacks. He also recounted family losses, saying his grandmother and uncle were killed in earlier violence.
“I have been receiving death threats through calls and messages. My life is in grave danger,” Dachomo told reporters. He accused various actors — including some security personnel — of failing to act on intelligence he shared about impending attacks on communities in Barkin Ladi. He said that in some instances he has been publicly criticised by military authorities who accused him of incitement.
Dachomo defended his actions as necessary documentation. “I made the video for record-keeping so that future generations will be able to see how we were terrorised and persecuted. The video is also evidence that a Christian genocide is going on in the North,” he said, adding that the footage should strengthen the faith of persecuted communities and serve as a historical record.
He also contrasted the response he expects from authorities if the roles were reversed, saying: “If it were Christians attacking Muslims, the entire military would rise against us, invade our villages, and make mass arrests. Before you are released, you must pay a lot of money.”
The cleric’s remarks have generated wide debate on social media, drawing both concern for his safety and support from those who praise his outspokenness on insecurity and targeted killings. Critics, however, warn that incendiary language could inflame tensions in an already volatile region.
Evangelist Dachomo said he will continue to speak out and document atrocities, insisting that he is unafraid of death and remains committed to defending his congregation and community.
