Ezekiel Dachomo, a prominent clergyman from Plateau State, has disclosed that he received refuge offers from several foreign nations following purported threats on his life by Islamist militants.
Dachomo, the regional chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations in Plateau State’s Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, reportedly stated that the offers originated from Austria, Australia, and other European nations.
The cleric stated in an interview on Wednesday that the offers came at a period when he was frequently threatened with death.
He added that there were rumors that extremists had put a price on his head due to his vocal opposition to attacks on Christians in the state.
He claims that despite the risk, he turned down the chance to move overseas because he feels that Nigeria is where he belongs.
Dachomo clarified that fleeing the nation for safety would include deserting his church’s adherents as well as other people who are in danger.
The preacher stated that he decided to stay in Nigeria in order to continue helping Christians who, in his opinion, are being persecuted in some regions of Plateau State and other parts of the country.
Dachomo added that the more threats he received, the more pressure he was under.
He pointed out that in addition to coming from alleged extremists, the warnings also contained oblique warnings that increased tension.
Despite his concern of the threats, he insisted that he had no intention of moving abroad.
He claimed that because he feels it is his duty to support his community, the concept of taking asylum has never appealed to him.
The cleric clarified that leaving Nigeria would entail severing ties with the people he has been speaking to for many years. He continued by saying that, despite the dangers, he would rather stay with them.
Dachomo further revealed that, in order to ensure his safety, a number of close friends, family members, and religious officials had counseled him to accept the asylum offers.
He did not, however, contemplate leaving since he feels accountable to the people he serves.
He stated that he is still dedicated to his profession and plans to keep discussing the difficulties faced by Christians in Plateau State and throughout Nigeria.
He claims that he is committed to remaining in the nation and continuing to assist churchgoers and others who have similar issues.
Dachomo maintained that he would continue to live in Nigeria despite the threats. He stated that he feels that supporting his countrymen is more crucial than looking for safety abroad.
“I can’t be afraid of them,” he added. They ought to fear me. Australia, Austria, and other nations have given me shelter, but I declined. I’m not moving. They have my support. I’m not a coward, and I can’t leave my flock behind for the security of another nation. I will stay here with my people no matter how much it costs me my life. I’ll keep supporting Christians who are being persecuted in Nigeria and the Plateau.
