Even If It Costs My Life, I Will Stay In Nigeria – Rev Dachomo Rejects Asylum From Australia, Austria 

Outspoken Plateau State cleric, Ezekiel Dachomo, has revealed that some foreign countries offered him asylum after alleged threats to his life from Islamist extremists.

Naija News reports that Dachomo, who serves as the Regional Chairman of Church of Christ in Nations in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, said the offers came from countries including Australia and Austria, along with other parts of Europe.

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

He also said there were reports that extremists had placed a bounty on his head because of his outspoken position on attacks against Christians in the state.

According to him, despite the danger, he refused the opportunity to relocate abroad because he believes his place is in Nigeria.

Dachomo explained that leaving the country for safety would mean abandoning members of his church and others who are facing similar threats.

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

Dachomo also said the pressure on him increased as threats became more frequent.

He noted that the warnings were not only coming from suspected extremists but also included indirect cautions that made the situation more tense.

Even with the fear surrounding the threats, he maintained that he had no plan to relocate outside the country.

He said the idea of accepting asylum never appealed to him because he believes his duty is to stand with his community.

The cleric explained that leaving Nigeria would mean stepping away from the people he has been speaking for over the years. He added that he prefers to remain with them despite the risks involved.

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

However, he said he did not consider leaving because he feels responsible for those he serves.

He said he remains committed to his work and intends to continue speaking about the challenges facing Christians in Plateau State and across Nigeria.

According to him, he is determined to stay in the country and continue supporting members of his church and others who share similar concerns.

Dachomo insisted that the threats would not stop him from remaining in Nigeria. He said he believes standing with his people is more important than seeking safety in another country.

He said: “I can’t be afraid of them. They should be afraid of me. 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.”