Nigerian pastor Ezekiel Dachomo, who has been vocal against the persecution of Christians, faces death threats after the Fulani militia killed nine of his family members, prompting international condemnation.
Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, a Nigerian pastor highlighted by former President Donald Trump, has reported that nine members of his family were killed by the Fulani militia. This group has now issued a death threat against him, escalating concerns over the safety of Christians in Nigeria.
Dachomo, who leads the Church of Christ in Nations in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, has been an outspoken critic of the violence perpetrated against Christians by radicalized Muslim groups. The recent attack on his family occurred on July 12 in the Riyom district of Plateau State, where reports indicate that a two-month-old baby was among those killed. Witnesses claim the attackers were searching for Dachomo, asking, “Where is the father of this house?” before opening fire indiscriminately.
In a recent post on X, Dachomo shared the chilling message he received from the militia: “A few days ago, Fulani herdsmen sent a threatening letter to me and to members of my church. Its message was terrifying. They vowed to attack me and kill me soon, just as they killed nine of my relatives.” He emphasized the gravity of his situation, stating, “I know what it means to stand before grieving families whose only crime was refusing to deny Jesus Christ.” He further questioned, “Now they say I will be next. But I ask the world, what is my crime?”
Judd Saul, founder of Equipping the Persecuted, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating religious persecution in Nigeria, noted that the Fulani militia specifically targets Dachomo for raising awareness about the plight of Christians. Saul stated, “The Islamist Fulani ethnic militia hate Pastor Ezekiel and targeted him because he is waking up Christians to the reality of what they are facing.”
By the end of 2025, Dachomo anticipates conducting over 70 mass burials of Christians, a grim statistic that reflects the ongoing violence in the region. This year alone, he has presided over the funerals of numerous believers, including a recent service for 20 victims.
According to Saul, the violence is likely to continue. “Equipping the Persecuted has documented overwhelming evidence that the Islamist Fulani ethnic militia are responsible for the vast majority of killings of Christians in Nigeria. Within the last week alone, over 40 Christians have been killed, and we have been warning that there are major attacks about to occur within the next few days,” he said.
A recent six-year study by the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA) highlights the severity of the situation, revealing that Fulani militias are responsible for four times more civilian deaths than the combined toll of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The report indicates that from 2019 to September 2025, terror-related violence in Nigeria has resulted in 79,323 deaths, averaging 36 fatalities per day, with Fulani militants accounting for 44% of these deaths.
The U.S. State Department has condemned the violence against Christians in Nigeria, with a spokesperson stating, “We have seen reports of the killing of nine Christians in Plateau State in Nigeria. There remains a shocking level of violence against Christians in the Middle Belt committed by Fulani Ethnic Militia.” The spokesperson extended condolences to the families affected and urged the Nigerian government to take action against the perpetrators.
During recent meetings with Nigerian officials, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, expressed grave concern regarding the violence faced by Christians and the need for concrete measures to enhance their security. The U.S. has previously conducted airstrikes in Nigeria targeting Boko Haram and ISWAP but has not focused on the Fulani groups operating in the Middle Belt.
Saul emphasized the need for the U.S. administration to concentrate on the Fulani militia’s activities. “We want the Trump Administration to put laser focus on the Middle Belt of Nigeria and the Fulani ethnic militia,” he stated.
Dachomo has called on President Trump to intervene, saying, “We ask President Trump to stop the Fulani terrorists from killing our people in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and surrounding regions. These attacks against Christian communities have been going on for years and must be stopped. We need the United States to stand with us.” In a poignant plea to the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he urged, “I am begging you in the name of Jesus, stop the Islamic agenda. Muslims want to finish us. Christians, wake up, open your eyes.”
Quoting Psalm 118:6, he affirmed his faith, saying, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do unto me?” He concluded with a powerful message: “They may threaten my life, but they cannot silence the truth. They may kill the messenger, but they cannot kill the message.”
In response to Dachomo’s allegations, Rabiu Ibrahim, spokesperson for the Nigerian Ministry of Information and National Orientation, offered condolences but rejected the notion that the security crisis is a conflict between faiths. He stated, “Such narratives oversimplify a complicated situation and risk serving the interests of criminal groups who seek to exploit existing fault lines.” Ibrahim assured that the government is treating the incident seriously and is committed to investigating all attacks thoroughly, regardless of the perpetrators’ identity.
The ongoing violence against Christians in Nigeria continues to draw international attention, with advocates calling for urgent action to protect vulnerable communities.
According to Fox News Digital, the situation remains dire as the Fulani militia continues to pose a significant threat to the safety of Christians in Nigeria.