A prominent Plateau cleric and regional leader of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Evangelist Ezekiel Dachomo, has provoked nationwide debate after a viral video in which he said no ransom should be paid if he is ever kidnapped.
In the footage Dachomo tells followers he has accepted the danger of speaking out against violence in northern Nigeria. He says his death would “raise war” and help liberate Christians, adding: “We are showing them mercy, we are showing them love, but they did not see it. I do not know where I will be next, but for me I have already told my family and members; if they kidnap me, nobody should contribute one kobo. My grave will speak, my blood will raise war that will lead to Christians’ liberation.”
He went further in the clip, saying any captors should “kill me quickly because nobody will bring kobo.” The comments have been widely shared on social media and sparked strong reactions across political, religious and civic circles.
The viral video follows another clip Dachomo posted showing the mass burial of victims of a recent attack in Heipang community near Jos, Plateau State. He said he recorded the funerals to document what he described as an “ongoing Christian genocide” in the north and to ensure the killings are not denied or forgotten.
Dachomo, known locally for speaking out about communal violence and attacks on Christian communities, framed his actions as a moral duty to record and expose atrocities. Supporters praise his courage and insist his message highlights the urgency of protecting vulnerable communities. Critics argue his rhetoric risks inflaming tensions in an already volatile region.
Security and religious leaders have yet to issue a formal response to the specific video. The clip has, however, intensified calls for better protection for civilians and renewed scrutiny of ongoing attacks in Plateau and neighbouring states.
