csi provided aid to victims of a recent attack in Plateau State. csi
On November 8, a press release from a civil defense group warned that Christian activists in Plateau State were at immediate risk and urged action. “The Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) is deeply alarmed by credible, anonymous intelligence indicating an imminent threat to the lives of three prominent individuals,” it said.
It named the three as Ezekiel Dachomo, a pastor of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) and chairman of the Barkin Ladi regional church council; Masara Kim, a journalist and social justice advocate; and Barrister Solomon Dalyop Mwantiri, a human rights advocate and BYM president.
“The intelligence suggests that a group of Fulani bandits from Nasarawa State has entered Plateau State with the express intent to either abduct for elimination or outrightly assassinate these three figures,” it said.
Pastor rejects payment of ransom
“I don’t know whether I will be next, but I have already told my family and church members: if I am kidnapped, nobody should contribute one kobo [Nigerian equivalent of a penny],” Rev. Dachomo said in a viral video after learning that he had been targeted for kidnapping and assassination.
“My grave will speak… And I know Jesus has approved that for me.” Dachomo added.
Along with Rev. Dachomo, activists Barrister Solomon Dalyop Mwantiri and Masara Kim have reportedly been marked for assassination. Both men have been outspoken about the ongoing killings in Plateau State and neighboring areas, often issuing early warnings about impending attacks that go unheeded by security forces.
Earlier threats
Dachomo has released several viral videos condemning the killing of Christians in Plateau State. His footage—sometimes filmed from mass graves or inside burned churches—has vividly illustrated the scale of what he calls “genocidal attacks” in the region.
The Nigerian Army has denied his allegations of genocide by Fulani Islamist militias or government complicity, despite the pastor’s video evidence.
This is not the first attempt on Rev. Dachomo’s life. In October, he said:
“My life is in grave danger. Even as I speak, I am constantly on the lookout for attacks. I no longer sleep with my eyes closed. I have been attacked before but escaped. My grandmother was killed, and her heart was removed. My uncle was also killed.”
Masara Kim and Solomon Mwantiri have faced similar threats. “We expected this,” Kim told Christian Solidarity International (CSI). “I have received many threats in my DMs and comments online. People twist the narrative and send messages like, ‘Your days are numbered.’”
“Eliminated by any means”
Masara told CSI that an informant from within the Fulani community revealed two key meetings had taken place, one on October 26 and the second on November 2 – two days after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he was listing Nigeria as a Country of Political Concern due to reports of massacres of Christians in the country.
“In the first meeting, only Rev. Dachomo was mentioned. But in the second, Solomon and I became the main topics of discussion. Solomon later learned from another source that local meetings were also held in Mahanga village, Barkin Ladi, where a bounty was placed on us. We don’t know how much, but the order was for us to be eliminated by any means.”
Government response
On Sunday, November 9, Major General Folusho Onyinlola, GOC of the 3rd Armoured Division, attended Rev. Dachomo’s church service in Barkin Ladi to assure him of military protection.
According to Dachomo, the general said: “Pastor, I heard you say you are ready to die. I want to assure you that nothing will kill you unless God says it’s time for you to come home. Within our resources, we will do everything possible to protect you.
“You are going to be here for a very long time. So don’t worry—please always reach out to us.”
Persistent killings
CSI has reported on massacres of Christians in Nigeria’s Middle Belt for over a decade, drawing global attention to the ongoing attacks and warning of an unfolding genocide.
These warnings have tended to be ignored by the international community —until recently, when viral videos from Dachomo, Kim, and Mwantiri apparently helped prompt the United States to designate Nigeria as a country of particular concern for religious persecution.
A bill currently before the U.S. Senate seeks sanctions against organizations such as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and Miyetti Kautal Hore, alleged patrons of Fulani Islamist groups involved in the violence.
The Nigerian government, many northern politicians, and Islamic religious leaders have denied that Christians are being specifically targeted. They argue that all communities suffer from attacks by armed groups.
Living under threat
Solomon Dalyop Mwantiri, a CSI partner in Nigeria who married last year, said: “I have moved my wife and child to a safe location. We are taking all necessary precautions to stay alive.”
Masara Kim added: “I hope something can be done to protect me and my family so we can continue our work of enlightening the world about what is happening in Nigeria. The government must be held accountable and compelled to stop these violations.
“Whatever happens in Nigeria has the potential to spill over into other countries. If terrorists succeed here, they will believe they can succeed elsewhere.”
