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  • Plateau Cleric to Trump: ‘Christians Are Being Wiped Out,’ Urges U.S. Intervention

    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 call on United States President Donald Trump to intervene in the killings in Plateau, alleging that Christians are facing a campaign of genocide in the state.

    Appeal During Mass Burial

    Dachomo made the appeal on Thursday while conducting the mass burial of 22 victims killed during an attack on Kawel community in Mushere Chiefdom, Bokkos Local Government Area.

    According to him, the repeated attacks on Christian communities are neither isolated incidents nor accidental but part of a broader pattern of 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 also repeated the appeal in a post shared on his X account, warning that rural Christian communities remain vulnerable if urgent action is not taken.

    Calls for Justice and Protection

    Dachomo said the suffering of Christian communities deserves international attention, regardless of differing opinions on the use of the word “genocide.”

    “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,” he said.

    He stressed that his appeal was not a call for revenge but for justice, security and accountability.

    “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,” he added.

    ‘One of the Most Painful Days of My Ministry’

    Reflecting on the burial, Dachomo described it as one of the darkest moments of his ministry, saying the sight of grieving families left him heartbroken.

    “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,” he said.

    He noted that the victims were fathers, mothers, children and devoted Christians whose lives were cut short by violence.

    “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 asked.

    Dachomo also questioned how many more communities would have to endure similar attacks before authorities provide lasting protection, while expressing hope that God would comfort the bereaved families.

     

  • Gunmen Kill Vigilante Officer During Fresh Attack on Plateau Community

    A 25-year-old vigilante officer, Daniel Danladi Choji, has been killed following a fresh attack by gunmen on Tanjol village in Jol District of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

    Residents disclosed that the attack occurred on Tuesday night after armed men reportedly invaded the community, forcing villagers to flee into nearby bushes and rocky areas for safety.

    Several residents were also said to have sustained injuries while escaping from the attackers, who were suspected to be armed Fulani bandits.

    Attackers stormed communities in groups

    The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday.

    According to him, the attackers invaded Vwak and Tanjol communities in multiple groups and opened fire indiscriminately before security operatives responded.

    He explained that the deceased vigilante officer was killed while carrying out patrol duties alongside other security personnel.

    “The attackers stormed the Vwak and Tanjol communities in more than five groups, shooting indiscriminately before they were repelled by a combined team of Operation Rainbow and security operatives,” the statement read.

    BYM demands urgent action

    The youth association condemned the attack and urged the Plateau State Government and security agencies to take urgent measures to prevent further violence in affected communities.

    The group also called for restrictions on grazing activities in the area, alleging a connection between grazing movements and recurring attacks within communities in the state.

    “We also urged authorities to halt grazing activities in the affected areas as there is a link between such movements and repeated attacks,” Tengwong stated.

    The association further demanded intensified military operations in areas suspected to be hideouts for armed groups.

    “Failure to act decisively could lead to continued loss of lives in Plateau State and the wider Middle Belt region,” he added.

    Killings continue despite promises

    Plateau State has witnessed years of violent attacks, communal clashes and armed invasions that have claimed thousands of lives and displaced many residents across different communities.

    Despite repeated assurances by successive governments to end the violence, attacks and killings have continued in parts of the state.

  • Gunmen Strike Plateau Burial, Many Feared Dead as Mourners Come Under Fire

    Many persons are feared dead and several others injured after gunmen attacked mourners during a mass burial in Nding Fan District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

    The attack occurred on Wednesday as residents gathered to bury seven victims of an earlier assault on the community.

    Attack unfolds during burial rites

    Sources said the gunmen, who were reportedly hiding on surrounding hills, stormed the area and opened fire on mourners as graves were being dug.

    The sudden attack forced residents to abandon the burial and flee for safety.

    Eyewitness recounts chaos

    A journalist, Masara Kim, who witnessed the incident, said multiple communities were under simultaneous attack at the time.

    “While we were at the burial site, the attackers emerged from the hills and began shooting,” he said, adding that he saw at least one person killed.

    He noted that local defenders armed with hunting rifles were overwhelmed by the attackers.

    Communities under pressure

    According to local sources, at least five communities south of Jos were affected, with many residents fleeing as the violence escalated.

    The Berom Youth Moulders Association confirmed the killings and said an attempted attack on Rim community in neighbouring Riyom LGA was repelled by vigilantes and Operation Rainbow personnel.

    Police confirm earlier killings

    The Plateau State Police Command confirmed a separate attack on Nding Susut on Tuesday night, where five people, including four women and a nine-year-old boy, were killed.

    Three others were injured and are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital.

    Security response underway

    Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, condemned the attacks and announced the deployment of additional tactical teams, including mobile police units, to restore calm in the affected areas.

    He assured residents that investigations were ongoing and urged the public to provide useful information to aid security operations.

  • Gunmen Kill Six, Injure Eight in Fresh Night Attacks Across Plateau Communities

    At least six people have been killed and eight others injured after gunmen launched two separate overnight attacks on communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State, in incidents that have once again deepened fears over rural insecurity in the region.

    The attacks, which happened within hours of each other on Sunday night, left residents in panic as armed men stormed villages, opened fire, and forced families to flee into surrounding bushes for safety.

    How the attacks unfolded

    In the first incident, gunmen invaded the Hurum Gashish community in Barkin Ladi around 10 p.m., shooting sporadically at residents.

    Sources told Vanguard that the attackers operated freely for several minutes, leaving destruction in their wake before escaping.

    In a separate but similar attack, another group of gunmen struck the Shonong Bachi community in Riyom Local Government Area at about 11 p.m., unleashing gunfire on residents.

    Casualties recorded

    Four persons were confirmed dead in the Barkin Ladi attack, while five others sustained injuries.

    In Riyom, two persons were killed and three others injured, bringing the total casualties from both attacks to six dead and eight injured.

    The injured victims are currently receiving treatment in nearby medical facilities, according to local sources.

    Community reaction and concern

    Residents described the attacks as terrifying, noting that many families abandoned their homes in the middle of the night to avoid being caught in the violence.

    The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tenglong, confirmed the incidents and said the communities had been thrown into mourning.

    He condemned the recurring assaults, describing them as alarming and unacceptable.

    Security response

    As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, SP Alfred Alabo, for official confirmation were unsuccessful.

    Security agencies are expected to intensify patrols in the affected areas as tensions remain high.

    The latest attacks add to a growing pattern of violence in parts of Plateau State, where rural communities have continued to suffer repeated deadly raids.

  • Peter Okoye, Paul Okoye, Mr Macaroni Lead Outrage Over Jos Palm Sunday killings

    Nigerian entertainers and public figures have taken to social media to condemn the Palm Sunday massacre in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, where gunmen opened fire on residents on Sunday evening, killing at least 22 people and injuring several others, with many directing their anger at both the Plateau State government and President Bola Tinubu over what they described as a failure to protect Nigerian lives.

    The attack, which occurred around 7:30 p.m. on March 29 at a bar in the Gari Ya Waye community, has sent shockwaves through the country, particularly among entertainers with roots in Plateau State.

    Peter Okoye

    Singer Peter Okoye, who grew up in Plateau State, expressed raw emotion in his reaction on X. “My heart is heavy… My prayers are with my people in Jos,” he wrote, accompanied by a string of broken heart emojis.

    In a separate post that surfaced amid the outrage, Peter also directly questioned the Nigerian government’s response, expressing disbelief that a confirmed death toll of dozens had not prompted a formal presidential address to the nation. He called the administration’s response incompetent and said the recurring tragedies were “unbearably heart-wrenching.”

    Paul Okoye (Rudeboy)

    Paul Okoye, Peter’s twin brother and fellow P-Square alumnus, took a sharper tone. “We are not angry enough!!!” he wrote on X. “Maybe na until God come down to earth.” The singer, who was also born in Plateau State, used his platform to challenge what he described as widespread public passivity in the face of repeated security failures.

    Mr Macaroni

    Comedian and activist Mr Macaroni was the most direct in his criticism of the presidency, writing: “President @officialABAT is running the most useless government in the history of useless governments!!! How many more Nigerians have to die due to this abysmal level of incompetence? Nigerians wake up every day to lament one tragedy or the other. Unbearably heart-wrenching!!!

    In a follow-up post, Mr Macaroni said he could not understand how 40 confirmed deaths in Jos had not prompted the president to address the nation. “Zero accountability, zero responsibility!!!” he wrote.

    Ice Prince

    Jos-born rapper Ice Prince reflected on the community’s long history of suffering. “Since 2001, Jos, Jos, Jos. My people have suffered too much tbh… Thoughts and prayers,” he wrote on X — a reference to the cycle of ethno-religious violence that has plagued the city for over two decades.

    Nathaniel Bassey and Jerry Eze

    Gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey offered prayers rather than political criticism, writing: “JOS! You shall not be broken. The forces of evil in our nation shall never prevail. We shall see their end. It is well with you, Jos. Let there be light!” Pastor Jerry Eze of Streams of Joy International also reacted, calling on divine protection for the community.

    Kunle Remi

    Nollywood actor Kunle Remi, who made headlines last week for speaking out about fuel prices, also added his voice to the chorus of condemnation, describing the attack as deeply painful and calling on the government to take decisive action to protect lives in Plateau State.

    The celebrity reactions came alongside physical protests on the ground. Hundreds of angry residents took to the streets on Monday morning, defying the 48-hour curfew imposed by the Plateau State government, to protest the killings and demand urgent action from authorities. Protesters gathered at the scene of the attack, expressing outrage over the continued loss of lives in the state.

    On social media, users echoed the same frustration. One commenter wrote: “The government in Nigeria has failed over and over again in protecting the lives and property of Nigerians. This government must go.” Another, @Frankline Obi, warned that prolonged insecurity could radicalise youth: “Plateau youths have endured enough pain. When peace is met with bullets, frustration turns to fire.”

    The Gari Ya Waye attack occurred on Palm Sunday, the opening of Holy Week in the Christian calendar, in a predominantly Christian community in Jos North. A 48-hour curfew remains in place across Jos North LGA until April 1, 2026. Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the attack as barbaric and unprovoked and said security agencies had been mobilised, but no arrests had been announced as of Tuesday morning.

  • Plateau Imposes 48-Hour Curfew in Jos North After Gunmen Kill Several in Angwan Rukuba

    The Plateau State Government has imposed a 48-hour curfew across the entire Jos North Local Government Area following a deadly attack by gunmen in the Gari Ya Waye community of Angwan Rukuba on Sunday evening, the latest in a string of violent incidents that have kept the state under sustained security pressure in 2026.

    Commissioner for Information and Communication Joyce Ramnap announced the curfew in a government statement on Sunday night, confirming that the decision followed a tragic security incident in the Gari Ya Waye community that resulted in loss of lives and injuries to several others. The curfew took effect from midnight on March 29 and will remain in force until April 1, 2026.

    How the attack unfolded

    Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived on motorcycles at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, while residents were going about their normal evening activities. The gunmen opened fire indiscriminately, causing immediate panic and mass flight from the community.

    The violence erupted suddenly, with many residents forced to flee their homes in search of safety as gunshots rang out across the neighbourhood. The incident quickly sent shockwaves through nearby communities, raising fears of further unrest.

    The identity of the attackers and the motive for the assault had not been officially confirmed as of Monday morning. No group had claimed responsibility.

    Government response

    Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang strongly condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and unprovoked. The government assured residents that all necessary measures were being taken to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

    The government statement read: “The Plateau State Government, in conjunction with security agencies, wishes to inform the general public of the imposition of a 48-hour curfew within Jos North Local Government Area with immediate effect, commencing from 12 midnight of 29th March, to 1st April, 2026.”

    Security agencies have been deployed to key flashpoints across Jos North, with personnel operating around the clock to stabilise the situation and track those responsible. Governor Mutfwang urged residents to remain calm and cooperate fully with security agencies by providing any information useful to ongoing investigations.

    The curfew brought commercial activity in several parts of Jos North to an immediate halt, with markets and shops closed and transportation severely restricted. Movement is limited to emergency and essential services for the duration of the order.

    The University of Jos announced the postponement of all examinations scheduled for Monday, March 30, and Tuesday, March 31, citing safety concerns. Deputy Registrar Emmanuel Madugu, speaking on behalf of the Registrar, advised members of the university community to exercise extreme caution, avoid unnecessary movement, particularly in the early morning hours, and to report any suspicious activity to the University Security Division.

    A pattern of escalating violence

    Sunday’s attack is part of a troubling pattern of violence in Plateau State in recent weeks. On March 14, gunmen suspected to be bandits killed 20 people and rustled cattle from a village in Jos in a separate attack. According to the Kanam Development Association, the gunmen ambushed soldiers on a routine patrol, triggering an exchange of gunfire in which 12 security personnel and eight civilians were killed.

    The March 29 attack also comes just two weeks after the deadly bombings in Maiduguri — another reminder that northern and north-central Nigeria remains acutely vulnerable to coordinated violence against civilian communities.

    Jos and Plateau State have been at the epicentre of communal and inter-ethnic violence for over two decades. The city has experienced recurring cycles of attacks that have claimed thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands of residents. Despite sustained military and police presence, armed groups continue to strike civilian communities, often on motorcycles and in the evening hours when security checks are reduced.

  • Rev. Dachomo Reveals He Robbed a Bank in Jos in 1980, Credits Jesus Saves

    Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, the Plateau State cleric known for his vocal activism on the killing of Christians in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, has revealed that he was a member of an armed robbery gang that raided a bank in Jos, Plateau State, in 1980.

    The disclosure, made in an interview with a foreign media outlet and shared online on Wednesday, has since gone viral, generating widespread reactions across Nigerian social media.

    What Dachomo said

    Dachomo confirmed that his gang successfully carried out the bank robbery in Jos, making away with a substantial sum of money, and that the operation was led by a close associate at the time.

    He described a spiritual encounter that he said marked the turning point in his life, recounting that Jesus appeared in his room while he was asleep, accompanied by seven angels, and engaged in a supernatural battle with what he described as 14 demons operating in his life. According to Dachomo, he pretended to be dead among fallen figures but was eventually discovered. “When they were coming, booting other corpses, then I had to stand up and begin to beg,” he said.

    He said he turned away from crime following that encounter, crediting the saving power of Jesus for his transformation.

    Rival account disputes the story

    The account has not gone unchallenged. A cleric identified as Baban Chinedu alleged that Dachomo’s version of events was fabricated, claiming that during the robbery, Dachomo hid among corpses and was rescued by a gang member named Emmanuel, not by divine intervention. The critic alleged that Dachomo was shot and still bears the scar from that wound, and accused him of transitioning from a “street-level bandit” to a “spiritual bandit” while inciting religious conflict.  Dachomo has not publicly responded to this counter-claim.

    Public reaction

    Nigerians on social media responded with a mix of amusement, scepticism, and support. One user suggested the story was typical of young men who grew up without older male role models to keep them in check. Others praised the cleric for his candour.

    Who is Dachomo

    Reverend Dachomo is a senior cleric in the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), serving as the regional chairman for the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area in Plateau State. He gained national and international attention after videos of him conducting mass burials for Christians killed in communal attacks went viral, drawing reactions from public figures, including US President Donald Trump, who placed Nigeria on a list of Countries of Particular Concern.

    In an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan in November 2025, Dachomo said he had presided over more than 70 mass burials, sometimes burying over 500 people in a single night, and accused the Nigerian government of downplaying the scale of the violence.

    The Nigerian Army has previously condemned one of his viral videos, accusing him of spreading false and inflammatory claims about a planned terrorist attack in Plateau State and warning that his statements risked igniting ethnic and religious violence.  Dachomo denied the characterisation and said he was speaking the truth about threats facing Christian communities.

    The viral video continues to trend on Nigerian social media. RNN.NG will update this story if Dachomo or any relevant authorities respond to the competing accounts surrounding his past.