COCIN leader Dachomo renews call for global attention to alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria

Crime Diary, International

JOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, Regional Leader of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), has renewed his call for greater international attention to what he describes as the ongoing persecution and killing of Christians in parts of Nigeria.

Dachomo, who has been vocal in campaigns aimed at drawing global attention to the plight of Christian communities affected by violence, made the appeal in a statement on Sunday titled, “The Cry of the Persecuted Church in Nigeria.”

The cleric had previously attracted international attention after a video in which he spoke about attacks on Christian communities was reposted by United States President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform.

In the latest statement, Sunday, Dachomo expressed deep concern over the security situation facing many Christian communities, describing the humanitarian consequences of violent attacks as devastating.

“I write with tears in my eyes and pain in my heart. While many sleep peacefully at night, thousands of Christians across Nigeria go to bed wondering if they will wake up alive the next morning,” he said.

“This is not a story from centuries ago. This is not something found only in the pages of history. This is happening now.”

The cleric alleged that many families in affected communities live under constant fear of attacks, displacement and loss of loved ones.

According to him, numerous women have been widowed, children orphaned, and entire communities uprooted as a result of violence targeted at Christians.

Painting a vivid picture of the human cost of insecurity, Dachomo recounted the story of a young boy living in a displacement camp who, according to him, continues to search for his missing mother months after an attack on his community.

“Every evening he sits quietly at the entrance of a small shelter. Whenever visitors arrive, he asks the same question: ‘Have you seen my mother?’” the cleric said.

He described the emotional trauma experienced by displaced children and families as one of the most painful consequences of the crisis.

Despite the challenges, Dachomo praised what he described as the resilience of Christian communities across the country.

According to him, many believers continue to gather for worship despite attacks on churches and the destruction of their communities.

“Church buildings have been destroyed. Communities have been displaced. Children have become orphans. Women have become widows. Families have been scattered,” he said.

“Yet in the midst of the suffering, Christians continue to worship.”

The cleric said many congregations now meet under trees and temporary shelters after their church buildings were destroyed, while continuing to pray and maintain their faith despite adversity.

Dachomo urged governments, religious organisations, humanitarian groups and the international community not to ignore the plight of affected communities. “Today I ask the world not to look away,” he said.

“Remember the mothers who will never see their children again. Remember the fathers who died protecting their families. Remember the children who go to sleep hungry in displacement camps.”

He called for continued prayers, advocacy and support for victims of violence, expressing hope that a time would come when all Nigerians would be able to practise their faith freely and live without fear.

“Until that day, we will continue to pray. We will continue to speak. And we will continue to stand with the persecuted Church,” he said.