Amid renewed tension in parts of Plateau State, the Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, has reiterated his commitment to peaceful coexistence and restraint among communities.
The cleric made the declaration while addressing troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) and protesters during a tense situation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
Rev. Dachomo stressed that the patience and silence shown by members of his community should not be misinterpreted as weakness, but as a deliberate effort to prevent escalation and preserve peace.
According to him, restraint remains a stronger tool than violence, especially in a fragile environment already burdened by fear and mistrust.
“Silence is not weakness. Patience is not weakness. We want peace,” the cleric stated while urging calm among residents.
He disclosed that he had previously appeared before a National Assembly committee set up to address the Plateau crisis, where he pleaded for peaceful solutions and reconciliation among all affected groups.
Rev. Dachomo also revealed that he attempted to sympathise with Fulani families who lost three members in an earlier attack allegedly carried out by suspected Berom militia, even before the most recent incident.
“I was sympathizing with the Fulani that were killed all the other time. I saw it. I was sympathizing and I was looking for their leaders to say I’m sorry for what has happened,” he said.
He explained that heightened tension at the time made it difficult to immediately reach the affected families, but emphasized that his intention was rooted in empathy and peacebuilding.
The cleric called on community leaders, youths, and security agencies to continue prioritising dialogue and understanding over actions that could inflame tensions.
He concluded by reaffirming that peaceful coexistence remains the only sustainable path forward for Barkin Ladi and Plateau State at large, urging all sides to choose restraint and unity over conflict.
