Nigerian Pastor Refuses Asylum, Stays to Bury His Flock as Death Threats Surge

Nigerian Pastor Refuses to Flee as Islamic Extremists Issue Death Threats for Defending Persecuted Christians

Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, regional chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Plateau state's Barkin Ladi County, continues to receive death threats from Islamic extremists for speaking out against coordinated attacks on Christian communities across Nigeria.

The threats intensified after Dachomo made remarks at a funeral service for Christians slain in recent Fulani herdsmen attacks. On March 5, heavily armed Fulani militants killed approximately 22 Christians in coordinated assaults on villages in Benue state.

When I see dead bodies killed by the followers of Allah, what do you want me to say? I challenge Allah because his followers are killing my people. I would be stupid and cowardly to kill someone because he insults Jesus; Jesus is a supernatural being, He can defend himself.

Those words, spoken while conducting a mass burial, triggered accusations of Islamic blasphemy from Muslim leaders and renewed death threats against the pastor.

Despite receiving asylum offers from Australia and Austria, Dachomo has refused to leave Nigeria.

I'm going nowhere. I stand with them.

Advocate Markus Malum defended Dachomo, noting that the comments were made during a mass burial following attacks in which assailants reportedly shouted "Allahu Akbar."

According to Open Doors' 2026 World Watch List, Nigeria accounted for 3,490 of 4,849 Christian deaths worldwide between October 2024 and September 2025, representing 72 percent of all Christians killed for their faith globally. Nigeria ranks seventh among the 50 most dangerous countries for Christians.

UK parliamentary reports indicate that some Fulani militia demonstrate intent comparable to Boko Haram and ISWAP, with attacks motivated in part by desertification pressures and land disputes. Christian youth groups across Plateau state have rallied behind Dachomo, declaring their solidarity with the embattled pastor.

Death Threats Mount Against Nigerian Church Leader Who Refuses Asylum to Stand With Persecuted Flock

The situation in Nigeria's Middle Belt continues to deteriorate as Fulani militants carry out increasingly brazen attacks on Christian farming communities. Despite international concern and documented evidence of systematic violence against believers, the Nigerian government has failed to provide adequate protection for vulnerable communities.

Dachomo's refusal to accept asylum underscores the desperate reality facing Nigerian Christians: their own shepherds must choose between personal safety abroad and standing alongside their persecuted congregations. Plateau state Christian youths have publicly declared their support, stating they "stand with our father, Rev. Dachomo."

The Crusader's Opinion

This man is what a real pastor looks like. While comfortable Western clergy debate worship music styles, Rev. Dachomo buries his congregation members and tells the world the truth about who is killing them. He had two plane tickets out of that nightmare and tore them both up. "I'm going nowhere." That is the voice of a shepherd who will not abandon his sheep to wolves.

Nigeria accounts for 72 percent of all Christians murdered worldwide. Seventy two percent. And the global media barely whispers about it. Imagine if 3,490 Muslims were slaughtered in a single country by Christian militias. Every newsroom on Earth would run it for months. But it is Christians being butchered, so the silence is deafening.

Evil must be called what it is. And the men who stand against it, like Dachomo, deserve every ounce of our support.

Take Action

• Donate to The Shepherd's Shield to support persecuted Christians in Nigeria and across Africa.
• Support Open Doors USA, which documents and responds to Christian persecution in Nigeria and the 50 most dangerous countries for believers.
• Give to Voice of the Martyrs to provide emergency relief, Bibles, and safe houses for Christians under threat in Nigeria.
• Contact your elected representatives and urge them to pressure the Nigerian government to protect Christian communities. Find your representative at house.gov.
• Pray specifically for Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo's safety and for the Christian communities in Plateau and Benue states facing ongoing attacks.