Pastor Ezekiel Dachomo of Dorowa Babuje has called for justice and stronger protection for Christian communities following a deadly attack in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. In a Facebook post, the pastor described the deep suffering of the victims’ families and urged authorities to act decisively to prevent further violence against believers.
He rejected claims by the attackers that the killings were a “reprisal,” saying the accusation that Christians were responsible for the deaths of their own people has no credible evidence. According to Dachomo, Christians cannot safely enter the area where the bodies were reportedly discovered, even during daylight, because the terrain is widely known to be unsafe for believers.
Armed assailants believed to be Fulani herdsmen surrounded Dorowa Babuje on Feb. 22. They first attacked a roadside shop along the federal road, killing five unarmed men. The attackers then moved deeper into the village, killing four more residents and injuring several others before military forces intervened and forced them to retreat.
Dachomo also warned that the attackers have long used nearby settlements such as Mahanga and Lukere as camps. He shared the story of one victim whose pregnant wife is due to give birth soon, saying the child will grow up without ever knowing his father.
The pastor urged authorities to thoroughly investigate the killings, bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure a lasting security presence to protect vulnerable Christian communities.