By Palang Paul
Following the recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by the United States over rising cases of religious persecution, a Nigerian lawyer, Barrister Awele Ideal, has appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump to grant asylum to Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, a fiery Plateau-based cleric renowned for his bold criticism of the government’s handling of Christian killings in the Middle Belt region.
In an open letter addressed to President Trump, Barrister Awele expressed deep concern for the safety of the outspoken preacher, warning that he might be targeted or silenced for fearlessly speaking out against injustice and the continuous massacre of Christians in Plateau State.
Reverend Dachomo, who serves as the Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi, has over the years emerged as one of the few religious leaders publicly challenging both state and federal authorities over what he calls “a deliberate failure to protect vulnerable communities from terror.”
Describing the cleric as “a lone voice in the midst of turbulence,” Awele commended his unwavering courage to speak truth to power, contrasting his bold stance with what she termed the “compromised silence” of other Nigerian pastors who, according to her, have aligned themselves with corrupt politicians.
“Dear President Donald J. Trump, I sincerely pray you come across this post,” she wrote. “Granting this man, Rev. Ezekiel, asylum in the USA should be a top priority else he may be silenced for life because he dares to speak truth to power.”
The legal practitioner lauded Rev. Dachomo as a true servant of God and a fearless advocate for justice who continues to lead by example despite the dangers surrounding him. She urged Nigerians and the international community to recognize and protect such rare voices of conscience at a time when religious and ethnic intolerance is deepening.
Awele, however, admitted that the preacher might reject any offer of asylum, noting his unyielding loyalty to his congregation and homeland. “He may not accept asylum if granted,” she said, “but it would be wise if he does, because we need him alive to continue speaking for justice and truth.”
Her open letter adds to growing international calls for stronger global action on Nigeria’s human rights and religious freedom situation. In recent years, Plateau and other Middle Belt states have witnessed renewed waves of violence, leading to the displacement of thousands and the destruction of entire communities, while victims continue to demand accountability.
Observers believe Awele’s plea underscores a broader frustration among Nigerians who feel abandoned by their leaders and are now appealing to global powers for intervention and protection of persecuted voices.
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