Evangelist Ezekiel Dachomo Counters Sheikh Gumi’s Allegation Of Christians Burying Empty Graves

Evangelist Ezekiel Dachomo, a respected Christian leader from Plateau State, has openly rejected and condemned the recent claim by Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi that Christians in the Middle Belt are allegedly burying empty coffins to exaggerate the scale of killings in the region. Gumi’s comments triggered widespread public outrage, prompting Dachomo to respond strongly and demand clarity.

Sheikh Gumi had alleged that some Christian groups in the Middle Belt were staging funerals with empty coffins in order to create the impression of mass killings. His comments, reportedly based on a conversation with an unnamed doctor, suggested that some of the reported burials were staged to build an international narrative of religious genocide.

These claims deeply upset many Nigerians, especially those who have witnessed the violence and buried real victims.

In his reaction, Evangelist Dachomo described the allegation as both “heartless and insulting.” He challenged Gumi to provide evidence for the claim or withdraw it entirely. According to Dachomo, every grave in the affected communities contains the remains of real victims of attacks, many of whom were children, women, and elderly persons.

He went further to invite Gumi to Plateau State to inspect the graves personally. Dachomo said he is even willing to have the graves opened publicly so the world can see the truth. The evangelist also led members of the press to various burial sites to show that no graves were empty and that every coffin contained real bodies.

Dachomo condemned Gumi’s assertion as a painful insult to the families who lost loved ones. According to him, the allegation amounts to mocking the dead and downplaying the suffering of survivors who witnessed violent attacks firsthand.

He stressed that grieving families deserve compassion—not accusations of staging funerals. In his words, such claims “spit on the graves” of innocent victims.

To further prove his point, Evangelist Dachomo urged international organizations and global media outlets to visit Plateau State and verify the authenticity of the graves. He insisted that the victims were real people whose deaths are documented and known within their communities.

By making this call, Dachomo hopes to put an end to misinformation and bring more international attention to the tragedies happening in the region.

Dachomo also revealed that legal experts are prepared to take up the matter if Sheikh Gumi fails to provide concrete evidence. He stated that such a serious allegation cannot go unchallenged, especially when it undermines the dignity of victims and casts doubt on documented violence experienced by Christian communities.

Several Christian organizations have echoed Dachomo’s position, condemning Gumi’s comments as inflammatory and misleading. Many believe the allegations have the potential to worsen religious tensions rather than promote understanding or peace.

Leaders from various denominations stressed that the violence in Plateau and other parts of the Middle Belt is well-documented, and suggesting that victims are “fake” only adds to the pain of affected families.

Evangelist Dachomo also spoke about the emotional burden of repeatedly conducting mass burials. He shared that he has witnessed firsthand the devastation of communities that were attacked, and the suggestion that such burials are staged has pushed many to emotional breaking points.

He further revealed that he has received threats due to his outspoken stance on the killings, saying his life has been at risk because he documents the tragedies happening in the region.

Why This Matters

• Truth and Accountability: The situation highlights the importance of verifying sensitive claims before making them public, especially in a nation with religious diversity.

• Respect for Victims: Allegations like these can reopen wounds for families already suffering.

• National Unity: Irresponsible statements can deepen divisions, while fact-based dialogue can help heal the country.

• Public Trust: Community leaders calling for transparency contribute to building trust between citizens and institutions.

Evangelist Ezekiel Dachomo’s rebuttal of Sheikh Gumi’s allegation is both firm and deeply emotional. By demanding evidence, inviting public scrutiny, and appealing to international observers, Dachomo is seeking justice not only for his community but for every victim whose death has been trivialized.

His stance has opened a broader conversation about truth, respect, and the responsibility of national figures to avoid spreading narratives that could inflame tensions. As Nigerians continue to grapple with security challenges, the call for honesty, compassion, and accountability has never been more important.