By SUNTV Global Channel
The President of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Franklin Graham, has called on Christians around the world to pray for persecuted believers in Nigeria while urging U.S. President Donald Trump to pressure the Nigerian government to strengthen the protection of Christians facing violent attacks.
Graham made the appeal in a message shared on social media following a Fox News report highlighting the ordeal of Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, a Nigerian pastor who said nine members of his family were killed and that he has since received death threats from suspected Fulani militia members.
“Pray for the persecuted Christians in Nigeria. Pray that President Donald Trump will put pressure on the Nigerian government to protect innocent Christians facing attacks,” Graham said in his message.
Quoting Rev. Dachomo, Graham added:
“I know what it means to stand before grieving families whose only crime was refusing to deny Jesus Christ… Now they say I will be next. But I ask the world, what is my crime?”
According to the Fox News report, Rev. Dachomo, who serves as the Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, alleged that suspected Fulani militia members sent him death threats after previously killing nine of his relatives.
The cleric said the threats were contained in letters written in both Hausa and English and that copies had been submitted to security agencies.
Despite the alleged threats, Dachomo said he remains steadfast in his faith.
“Many people have asked me if I am afraid. My answer is no. My life is in the hands of Almighty God,” he said.
He added that he would continue speaking on behalf of victims of violence and persecution despite the risks.
The Fox News report also stated that the U.S. Department of State and a leading American Christian organization have called on the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to curb attacks on Christian communities and improve security in affected areas.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian government had not publicly responded to Graham’s appeal or the latest allegations raised by Rev. Dachomo.
