A prominent cleric, Rev Ezekiel Dachomo, has issued a stark warning over what he describes as a worsening security threat to Christian communities in Plateau State, alleging that extremist groups are forcibly collecting money from residents to purchase weapons.
Rev Dachomo said women are being compelled to pay N100,000 and men N200,000, claiming the funds are being used to prepare for coordinated attacks during the Christmas period. The allegations were made during a service at the Glory Dome in Abuja, where he addressed thousands of worshippers.
According to him, intelligence reports indicate that the armed groups have declared their intention to launch what they call a “jihad” targeting Christian settlements, with the goal of driving residents out during the festive season.
“They have vowed we will not spend our Christmas this year. They say we will run with rice in our hands because they are ready for Jihad,” Rev Dachomo told the congregation, warning that communities remain vulnerable without urgent intervention.
The cleric urged Christians across the country to intensify prayers, insisting that spiritual resilience remains vital in the face of relentless attacks. “Your prayer is more than AK-47. It’s more than rocket launchers. Let’s launch our prayers to heaven,” he said.
He further appealed for national attention on killings and displacement in Plateau and other parts of the Middle Belt, describing the ongoing violence as a “genocide” that has gone unaddressed for too long.
“Christians must be safe. There is a genocide in Nigeria. Pray for us in Jesus’ name,” he said, urging security agencies and political leaders to act decisively as communities brace for the holidays.
