The Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, has renewed his appeal to United States President Donald Trump to intervene over what he described as the continued killings of Christians in Plateau State.
The cleric made the call on Thursday during the mass burial of 22 victims who lost their lives in an attack on Kawel community in Mushere Chiefdom, Bokkos Local Government Area. He argued that the recurring attacks on Christian communities were deliberate and should attract urgent international attention.
Speaking at the burial ceremony, Dachomo claimed that Christians in parts of Nigeria were facing systematic violence.
“There is genocide of Christians in Nigeria, and that is the plain truth. That is why I keep calling on President Trump to intervene. Any further delay will see Christians completely wiped out from Plateau State,” he said.
The cleric stressed that, regardless of differing opinions over the use of the term “genocide,” the suffering of affected communities could no longer be ignored.
“Today, I raise my voice for countless Christians in Nigeria who have lost loved ones, homes, and communities to violence. Whether one agrees with the term genocide or not, the suffering of many Christian communities is real and cannot be ignored.
“The world must know what is happening, and the international community cannot continue to remain silent in the face of human suffering. Every life matters, and every victim deserves justice, protection, and a voice.”
Dachomo maintained that his appeal was not intended to incite retaliation but to seek justice, security and protection for vulnerable communities.
“At the same time, we affirm a fundamental principle recognised around the world: every human being has the right to life and the right to lawful self-defence when faced with imminent harm.
“We call not for hatred or revenge, but for justice, security, accountability and lasting peace. Silence helps no one. The time to act, to speak, and to protect innocent lives is now.”
Reflecting on the burial ceremony, the cleric described it as one of the most heartbreaking moments of his pastoral ministry.
“Today was one of the most painful days of my ministry. With tears in my eyes and a heavy heart, I stood before 22 coffins as I conducted the mass burial of our brothers and sisters in Christ who were brutally killed on the night of June 21 in Kawel, Mushere, Bokkos LGA of Plateau State.”
He said the grief of the bereaved families was overwhelming, noting that widows, orphaned children and parents mourning their children were among those left behind.
“As I looked upon the grieving families, I saw widows whose husbands would never return home, children whose parents would never hold them again, and parents burying the children they had prayed and sacrificed so much for. The cries of sorrow pierced my soul. No words seemed enough to comfort such unimaginable pain.”
Dachomo emphasized that the victims were more than statistics, describing them as fathers, mothers, children and devoted Christians whose lives were abruptly cut short.
Questioning the continued bloodshed, he asked whether more innocent lives must be lost before decisive action is taken.
“As we lowered their bodies into the ground, I could not help but ask: How many more innocent Christians must be buried before the world hears our cries? How many more tears must be shed before peace returns to our communities?”
He also challenged authorities to provide lasting protection for affected communities.
“Do these lives matter? Do these grieving families matter? How many more communities must endure such pain before lasting protection is provided?”
Despite the tragedy, the cleric said the grieving families remained steadfast in their Christian faith.
“Yet even in our sorrow, we hold on to God’s promise: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
“Today, I pray that God will draw near to every grieving family and give them strength beyond human understanding. As the graves were covered with earth, one question echoed in my heart: How many more innocent lives must be lost before peace comes to our land?”
