A fresh controversy has emerged in Nigeria’s ongoing security debate after a prominent Plateau State cleric claimed that American military support he sought for his community was diverted to other northern states. Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, a religious leader known for speaking out about violence in Plateau State, alleged that when he reached out to former United States President Donald Trump for help, the expected intervention never reached the communities he hoped it would protect.
 |
| Pastor Dachomo Ezekiel. ( Photo credit: from his official Facebook page) |
Dachomo, who serves as a senior cleric with the Church of Christ in Nations and leads the organization’s regional activities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, has for several years been vocal about attacks in Plateau State. He has repeatedly raised concerns about killings in rural communities, claiming that many villages continue to suffer from persistent violence that has displaced families and left residents living in fear.
Speaking in a video message that circulated widely online, the cleric said he had earlier appealed to Trump to pay attention to the security crisis affecting Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. According to him, the appeal was made at a time when attacks were escalating in several communities and local residents were demanding stronger intervention.
Dachomo claimed that when American authorities later became involved in military operations linked to extremist groups in northern Nigeria, Plateau State was not included among the areas that received support. Instead, he alleged that the deployment of U.S. forces focused on other states, particularly Sokoto.
According to the cleric, the development left many residents disappointed because they believed international assistance would bring relief to communities that had experienced repeated violence. He argued that the situation created a perception that certain regions were benefiting from the intervention while others continued to struggle with insecurity.
The cleric also directed criticism toward Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. He alleged that decisions made within Nigeria’s security leadership influenced where foreign military assistance was directed. In his remarks, Dachomo claimed that the intervention he expected for Plateau State was redirected to other northern regions instead.
The allegations surfaced against the backdrop of increasing international attention to Nigeria’s security challenges. In late 2025, the United States carried out military strikes in parts of northern Nigeria targeting militant groups linked to extremist organizations operating in the northern region. The operation reportedly focused on areas in Sokoto State and targeted militants believed to be connected to Islamic State affiliated networks.
These strikes were part of a broader international effort to counter militant activity spreading across West Africa. Security analysts have warned that extremist groups operating along the borders of Nigeria, Niger, and Mali have expanded their presence in recent years, exploiting weak border controls and local conflicts.
For communities in Plateau State, however, the main concern has remained the cycle of attacks between armed groups and rural residents. Many villages have experienced repeated clashes that have resulted in deaths, displacement, and destruction of property. Local leaders and religious figures have often called for stronger government protection and more coordinated security operations.
Dachomo has been one of the most visible voices in this campaign. Over the past few years he has shared videos and testimonies documenting attacks in the region and has repeatedly urged both Nigerian authorities and international organizations to intervene.
Supporters of the cleric say his comments reflect the frustration of communities that feel neglected despite years of violence. They argue that the government must do more to protect vulnerable villages and restore confidence in the security system.
However, critics have warned that the claims could deepen tensions if they are not handled carefully. Nigeria’s security challenges are complex, involving banditry, terrorism, communal disputes, and criminal networks operating across multiple regions. Analysts say that cooperation between Nigerian security agencies and international partners is often guided by intelligence assessments and strategic priorities rather than political considerations.
As the debate continues, the remarks by Reverend Dachomo have once again drawn attention to the deep frustration felt by many communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. While the cleric insists that international assistance should reach areas most affected by violence, security officials maintain that operations are conducted based on broader national security objectives.
For many residents in Plateau State, however, the central issue remains simple. They want an end to the violence that has disrupted daily life for years and hope that both national and international efforts will eventually bring lasting peace to their communities.
By SUNDAY UNEKWUOJO SAMSON