Rev Dachomo Signals Hope for Persecuted Christians as US Lawmaker Highlights ‘Genocidal Campaign’ in Nigeria

Rev Ezekiel Dachomo, a Plateau State pastor and human rights advocate, has offered a message of hope to displaced and persecuted Christian communities in Nigeria following a high-profile visit by a United States Congressional delegation to Benue State.

Dachomo, who leads the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) and has spent years documenting attacks against Christian populations across Nigeria’s Middle Belt, described the renewed international attention as a potential turning point after decades of persistent violence.

“Many names have been spoken against me for standing on the side of truth,” Dachomo said. “Even when some try to suppress it, truth cannot be hidden forever. My social media account may have been taken down for raising concerns, but the light of truth will always prevail. Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Help is on the way.”

His remarks followed statements by U.S. Congressman Riley M. Moore of West Virginia, who led a delegation of American lawmakers to Nigeria. Moore shared the delegation’s findings on X, detailing meetings with Catholic Bishops Wilfred Anagbe and Stephen Dugu, the Tor Tiv, and several internally displaced persons who recounted repeated attacks on their communities.

According to Moore, the delegation heard “heartbreaking stories,” including the account of a woman who witnessed the killing of five of her children. He described the violence as part of a “horrific genocidal campaign” allegedly carried out by extremist elements within Fulani communities.

“I’ve never seen anything like it. It will stay with me the rest of my life,” Moore wrote. He added that he is preparing a report for the United States’ head of state and head of government, outlining recommendations for coordinated action with the Nigerian government to protect vulnerable communities and tackle ongoing terrorist threats.

Rev Dachomo stressed that Moore’s statements, along with his television interviews in the United States, reflect growing global awareness of the crisis affecting Christian populations in the Middle Belt. He noted that for years, efforts to draw attention to the violence have often been ignored or suppressed, leaving communities vulnerable.

“The light of truth is finally breaking through,” Dachomo said. “International partners are beginning to see what we have been saying for years. We are hopeful that coordinated efforts will lead to tangible action, protection for our people, and justice for those affected by these attacks.”

Dachomo, who has frequently faced criticism for his outspoken advocacy, said the visit by the U.S. delegation offers renewed optimism for communities that have endured repeated attacks, displacement, and loss. He encouraged Nigerians and international partners to remain vigilant and committed to protecting vulnerable populations and restoring peace to affected areas.

The visit and its findings have reignited conversations about the responsibility of the Nigerian government, the role of international actors, and the need for long-term solutions to end ongoing violence and protect human rights in the country’s Middle Belt.