The Mangu Concerned Muslim Consultative Forum (MCMCF) in Plateau State has strongly criticized Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi LGA, for making what it described as inciting and inflammatory statements targeting the Muslim community.

The controversy arose after Rev. Dachomo allegedly claimed that Muslims in Mangu converted a COCIN church building into a mosque following recent attacks. In a statement on Thursday titled “Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo’s Malicious Allegations Against Mangu Muslim Community”, the MCMCF condemned the remarks as “reckless, inflammatory, and completely unsubstantiated.”

According to the forum, Rev. Dachomo’s claims are a deliberate attempt to portray Muslims as aggressors and usurpers of Christian property, incite hatred, and destabilize the fragile peace in Mangu LGA. The group demanded that the pastor either provide proof or publicly retract his statement, warning that failure to do so would confirm the allegations as baseless.

The MCMCF specifically called on Rev. Dachomo to provide:

• The full, official name of the COCIN church allegedly converted;
• The exact village or community where this conversion supposedly occurred;
• The precise date or timeframe of the alleged conversion.

Highlighting the contrast between claims and reality, the forum noted that Muslims in Mangu have actively protected COCIN churches and Christian properties during periods of unrest. For instance, the COCIN church in Sabon Kasuwa remains intact, safeguarded by local Muslims despite the absence of dedicated security.

Conversely, the MCMCF pointed out that mosques in Mangu Daawo and other areas were destroyed during recent violence, with some turned into refuse dumps, reflecting ongoing disrespect toward Islamic sacred sites.

“The glaring double standard behind Reverend Dachomo’s selective outrage is evident,” the statement concluded. “The Muslim community of Mangu will no longer accept being slandered with fabrications.”