Dachomo said he would rather stay in Nigeria and fight for persecuted Christians, especially those in Plateau State.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, the Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, has justified his decision to snub asylum offers from foreign countries despite a bounty being placed on his head by Islamist extremists, stating that he is not a ‘coward’.”
The outspoken clergyman made this known during an interview on Wednesday.
According to Dachomo, countries such as Australia, Austria, and several European nations offered him asylum, but he declined them all.
He noted that although the offers arrived at a time when death threats were being made daily—coupled with veiled warnings from the presidency—he felt compelled to reject them.
He maintained that he is neither a coward nor someone who would abandon his flock for the safety of a foreign land.
He added that he would rather remain in Nigeria to fight for persecuted Christians, especially those in Plateau State.
The cleric insisted that, even at the point of death, he will remain in the country and continue to stand with his community; he is not afraid of those who want him dead, suggesting instead that they should be afraid of him.
“I cannot be afraid of them. They should be afraid of me. I have been offered asylum in Australia, Austria, and other countries, but I said no. I am going nowhere. I stand with my people,” Dachomo said.
The vocal minister further disclosed that although friends, family members, and religious associates have advised him to accept the asylum offers, he has at no time contemplated abandoning his community, which continues to face persecution from terrorists and bandits.
