Even If It Costs My Life’ — Rev. Dachomo Rejects Asylum, Vows To Remain In Nigeria

Outspoken Plateau State cleric, Ezekiel Dachomo, has disclosed that several foreign countries offered him asylum following alleged threats to his life from Islamist extremists.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to Naija News, Dachomo, who serves as the Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, said the offers came from nations including Australia and Austria, as well as other parts of Europe.

Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, the cleric said the asylum offers were made during a period when he was receiving repeated death threats.

He explained that there were also reports suggesting that extremists had placed a bounty on him because of his outspoken stance on attacks targeting Christians in Plateau State.

Despite the risks, Dachomo said he declined the opportunity to relocate abroad, insisting that his place remains in Nigeria.

According to him, leaving the country for safety would amount to abandoning members of his church and others facing similar threats.

The cleric said he chose to remain in the country in order to continue supporting Christians whom he believes are experiencing persecution in parts of Plateau State and other areas of Nigeria.

Dachomo noted that the pressure on him intensified as the threats became more frequent, adding that some warnings came directly from suspected extremists while others were indirect cautions that heightened tensions around him.

Nevertheless, he maintained that he has no intention of leaving Nigeria.

He explained that accepting asylum never appealed to him because he believes his responsibility is to stand with his community.

Dachomo said relocating abroad would mean stepping away from the people he has consistently spoken for over the years, something he is not willing to do despite the dangers involved.

He further revealed that several people close to him, including friends, family members and fellow church leaders, had advised him to accept the asylum offers for his own safety.

However, he said he declined the advice because he feels a strong responsibility toward those he serves.

The cleric reaffirmed his commitment to his mission, saying he intends to continue speaking out about the challenges facing Christians in Plateau State and across Nigeria.

According to him, the threats will not deter him from remaining in the country.

“I can’t be afraid of them. They should be afraid of me,” he said.

“I’ve been offered asylum in Australia, Austria and other countries, but I said no. I am going nowhere. I stand with them. I am not a coward and I cannot abandon my flock for the safety of another country.

“Even if it costs me my life, I will remain here with my people. I will continue to stand with persecuted Christians in Plateau and across Nigeria.”