I Felt Suicidal Over Claims We Buried Empty Coffins — Evangelist Dachomo

A prominent Plateau State cleric, Ezekiel Dachomo, has opened up about the emotional toll he endured following allegations that Christian communities in Northern Nigeria staged burials with empty coffins to fabricate claims of genocide.

Dachomo, a senior pastor with the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), made the disclosure during an interview on 90MinutesAfrica with journalist Rudolf Okonkwo. According to him, accusations made by Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi deeply affected his mental health and personal safety.

“The Accusations Broke Me”

Dachomo revealed that hearing claims that Christian leaders were burying empty coffins to attract sympathy and international attention left him devastated.

“I felt depressed. I felt suicidal,” he said, describing the emotional weight of the accusation. He explained that over the years, he has presided over numerous funerals for victims of violent attacks in Plateau State and other parts of Northern Nigeria.

To suggest that those burials were staged, he argued, was not only false but also an insult to grieving families who lost loved ones in attacks attributed to armed groups.

The cleric further alleged that the narrative was designed to undermine mounting evidence of targeted violence against Christian communities. He accused Gumi of attempting to “water down” what he described as systematic attacks on rural Christian populations.

Readiness to Exhume Graves

In response to the claims, Dachomo insisted that he and affected communities are prepared to exhume graves for public verification if necessary.

“We are ready to exhume the corpses for the world to see,” he said, maintaining that there is nothing to hide and that the truth would vindicate the communities involved.

The pastor disclosed that he had considered legal action against Gumi over the allegations, describing the statements as defamatory and damaging.

Call for Self-Defence

Beyond addressing the accusation, Dachomo reiterated his position that vulnerable communities must consider lawful means of self-defence to deter recurring attacks.

“All Christian communities must enter the ring of self-defence,” he stated, arguing that attackers would think twice if communities were capable of resisting incursions effectively.

His comments reflect growing frustration among residents of affected areas who believe security responses have been inadequate. However, calls for self-defence have also sparked debate about the risks of escalating violence.

Claims of Security Leaks

Dachomo also alleged that informants embedded within security agencies leak operational information to armed groups. He recounted a recent incident in which soldiers mobilised to respond to the killing of a colleague, only to discover that the attackers had already fled.

“Before they got to the terrorists’ camp, they had already received the information and escaped into the mountains,” he claimed.

While these allegations have not been independently verified, they underscore widespread distrust between some communities and security institutions.

Threats to His Life

The cleric disclosed that he has been informed of a bounty placed on his head, allegedly by violent actors angered by his advocacy work.

“Anyone who finds me first and kills me will be given a reward,” he said, adding that he has instructed his family not to pay ransom if he is ever kidnapped.

He described kidnapping and ransom payments as tools used to weaken already traumatised communities economically and psychologically.

A Nation Grappling with Tension

The controversy has sparked intense reactions across social media, with supporters defending Dachomo and critics dismissing the genocide narrative. The heated exchanges highlight Nigeria’s deep religious and political divisions, particularly concerning security in the North.

Analysts note that conspiracy claims and counterclaims often thrive in environments where trust in institutions is low. The emotional impact on individuals directly involved, however, can be severe.

Mental health advocates warn that public figures facing sustained attacks and threats may experience extreme stress and psychological distress. Experts encourage those experiencing suicidal thoughts to seek professional support and counselling.

Looking Ahead

As debates continue, many Nigerians are calling for greater transparency, independent investigations into violence, and responsible public discourse from religious and political leaders.

For Dachomo, the focus remains on defending the dignity of victims and advocating for protection of vulnerable communities. Whether through legal redress or public accountability, he insists the truth must prevail.