The Muslim community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State has issued a strong rebuttal to a recent claim made by a prominent Christian leader, labeling it as dangerous disinformation.
Muslim Forum Challenges Pastor Dachomo's Allegation
On December 4, 2025, the Mangu Concerned Muslim Consultative Forum (MCMCF) reacted to a statement credited to Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, the Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN). Reverend Dachomo had alleged that a church burnt during the crisis in the area had been converted into a mosque.
In a statement issued to journalists in Jos, the Plateau State capital, the forum's leadership, Chairman Sheik Suleiman Haruna and Secretary M.A. Lawal, described the claim as "baseless and inflammatory." They challenged Reverend Dachomo to provide concrete evidence to justify his serious allegation.
The forum explicitly demanded that the cleric immediately provide the official name of the purportedly converted church, its exact location, and the specific date when the alleged conversion took place. They stated that without such tangible proof, the claim remains nothing but malicious falsehood aimed at inciting further tension.
A Call for Proof and a Retraction
The MCMCF's statement was unequivocal in its rejection of what it termed a "dangerous narrative." The group insisted that the claim is fabricated and has no basis in reality within the Mangu community.
"The MCMCF rejects this dangerous narrative in its entirety and demands immediate proof or public retraction," the statement read. The forum's position highlights the ongoing sensitivity and need for factual accuracy in reporting incidents within the conflict-prone region, where misinformation can easily escalate existing tensions.
Broader Context of Loss and Crisis in Plateau
The rebuttal comes against a backdrop of profound loss claimed by both communities in Plateau State. The Muslim forum's statement indirectly references the deep-seated grievances held by all sides.
Recall that the National President of the Jasawa Community Development Association (JCDA), Yawale Muhammad, had previously stated that 4,700 Muslims have been killed in various crises in Plateau State since 2001. He cited mass graves in several Muslim cemeteries across Jos and other parts of the state as evidence of this toll.
Conversely, Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo has been a vocal figure alleging the persecution of Christians in Northern Nigeria. In past interviews, including one with Piers Morgan Uncensored, he claimed to have conducted more than 70 mass burials due to targeted killings of Christians, describing the situation as a "Christian genocide."
The conflicting narratives from community leaders underscore the complex and tragic nature of the protracted conflict in Plateau State, where verifying claims and fostering dialogue remains a critical challenge for peace and reconciliation.
