News

‘How Satan controlled my life without me even knowing’

Published

5 months ago

March 21, 2026

In a nation grappling with complex security challenges, deep religious sensitivities and growing calls for justice, the voice of the church continues to resonate across communities. For Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, a cleric with the Church of Christ in Nations, the story is both deeply personal and profoundly national.

In his recent interview with Ryan Miller, which was monitored by The Nation, Dachomo recalled his turbulent past marked by crime and addiction to a life of faith, leadership and advocacy, a journey which reflects a dramatic transformation. Yet, beyond his personal testimony lies a broader narrative—one that speaks to the struggles of many communities, particularly in northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt.

Dachomo’s early years were marked by hardship and instability. Losing his father at the age of six, he drifted through life without direction, eventually falling into crime and substance abuse.

“I lost my mother at the age of six and began living recklessly. I was sleeping on the streets and was an associate of a group of robbers. I lived without God, smoking and drinking heavily. I even remember removing pages of the Bible to wrap Indian hemp. Satan was controlling my life without me even knowing it.”

However, in 1985, he experienced what he described as a life-changing spiritual encounter.

“That moment changed everything. I could no longer go back to my old ways. I turned my life to Christ and began a new journey,” he said.

Despite initial skepticism from those around him, Dachomo said he found acceptance within the church and gradually grew into ministry, focusing on evangelism and youth outreach. Over the years, he rose to leadership, overseeing multiple congregations.

Beyond his personal transformation, Rev. Dachomo has become an outspoken voice on the security situation in Nigeria, particularly in regions such as Plateau State and Southern Kaduna.

According to him, the challenges facing Christian communities are longstanding and deeply rooted.

“This did not start today. There are historical tensions that go back decades. Many communities have faced repeated violence, displacement and marginalisation,” he said.

He described a pattern of attacks that have disrupted lives and livelihoods, forcing many to flee ancestral homes.

Complex web of violence

Dachomo pointed to the activities of multiple armed groups, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, as well as other factions operating across northern Nigeria.

“There are different groups, and sometimes they even fight among themselves. But ordinary people are the ones suffering the consequences,” he explained.

He noted that the impact is particularly severe in rural communities, where access to security is limited, and attacks often go unreported.

While official figures vary, Rev. Dachomo believes the scale of violence is significantly underreported. “Thousands have been killed, and many more are missing. What you hear publicly is only a fraction,” he said.

He also raised concerns about ongoing abductions and the lack of consistent media coverage. “There are incidents happening even now that many people do not hear about,” he added.

The cleric also expressed concern over what he described as systemic challenges within governance and national institutions.

“Sometimes, it feels like the truth is not fully told. There are issues around representation and trust that need to be addressed,” he said.

He called for greater transparency, fairness and inclusiveness in national systems, particularly within security structures.

Personal loss and pain

In an emotional account, Rev. Dachomo shared his own experiences of loss.

“My grandmother was killed. My uncle, too. My friend’s entire family was burned in their home,” he said.

He described visiting affected communities and witnessing the aftermath of attacks, scenes he said remain deeply etched in his memory. “These are experiences you carry with you for life,” he added.

Despite these painful experiences, Dachomo emphasised the importance of faith and forgiveness.

In one instance, he recounted sheltering individuals from another faith during a crisis. “They came to me for safety, and I protected them. That is what my faith teaches,” he said.

He stressed that the situation should not be reduced to a simplistic narrative of religion alone. “There are good and bad people in every group. What we need is understanding and humanity,” he noted.

Call for unity and global attention

Dachomo urged both Nigerians and the international community to pay closer attention to the situation and support efforts toward peace and rebuilding. “We need unity, justice and sincere leadership. Violence will not solve our problems,” he said.

He also called for humanitarian support for displaced persons and communities seeking to rebuild their lives. “Many people have lost everything. They need help to start again,” he added.

Despite the challenges, Dachomo remains hopeful about Nigeria’s future. “No matter how difficult things are, I believe change is possible. Nigeria can still find peace if we commit to truth and fairness,” he said.

Even in the face of personal risk, he insists on standing firm. “My faith gives me strength. I will continue to speak and stand for what is right,” he declared.

For him, the message is clear: “We have not lost our faith. What we ask is simple—do not ignore us.”

News

Six die in separate Lagos accidents

Published

2 days ago

August 22, 2026

The Exclusives

One of the vehicles involved in the accident and a LASEMA official

Obaloluwa Darasimi

Six people, on Saturday, lost their lives in separate accidents in different parts of Lagos.

According to a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the first accident happened early in the morning at Sawmill, by Mowo Bus Stop, along the Badagry Expressway.

The second incident involved a multiple road traffic accident in the Ijesha, inward Mile 2, area of Lagos, where a dispatch rider lost his life.

The early morning incident, Oke-Osanyintolu disclosed, was a result of a collision between a Toyota Camry with registration number FKJ 630KS and an Iveco truck with registration number T28081 LA.
Five adult males, who were occupants of the Toyota Camry, died in the accident.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the accident was caused by over-speeding and reckless driving on the part of the Toyota Camry driver.

Explaining the incident at the Ijesha, inward Mile 2, area of Lagos, LASEMA said it discovered that the incident involved a FAW truck with registration number T-30364LA, an Iveco truck with registration number KSF 958 XV, and a dispatch rider.

The FAW truck was said to have hit the Iveco truck while both vehicles were dragging for right of way, and in the process, the Iveco truck struck the dispatch rider from behind.

LASEMA boss further revealed that the multi-agency response team, including the LASEMA Dolphin Team, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, FRSC and officers of the Nigeria Police Force, was involved in the rescue operation.

The Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, while commiserating with the families of the deceased, prayed for the repose of their souls.

He also urged all motorists to desist from over-speeding, wrongful overtaking and other dangerous driving practices, especially during early morning hours.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility, and adherence to traffic regulations remains critical to saving lives on Lagos roads.

“LASEMA reaffirms its commitment to prompt emergency response and inter-agency collaboration in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda of the Lagos State Government, aimed at protecting the lives and property of residents,” Oke –Osayintolu concluded.

News

Five killed in early morning crash

Published

2 days ago

August 22, 2026

The Exclusives

The accident scene

By Obaloluwa Darasimi

Five people, on Saturday, lost their lives to an early morning accident in Lagos.

In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency received a distress call at 5:16 am and immediately activated its Dolphin Team from Igando Base.

Oke-Osanyintolu disclosed that the accident was the result of a fatal collision between a Toyota Camry with registration number FKJ 630KS and an Iveco truck with registration number T28081 LA.

It was gathered that LASEMA, in collaboration with other emergency responders, swiftly mobilised to the scene of the accident at Sawmill, by Mowo Bus Stop, along the Badagry Expressway, where five adult males, who were occupants of the Toyota Camry, were already dead.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the accident was caused by over-speeding and reckless driving on the part of the Toyota Camry driver. Regrettably, the impact of the collision resulted in the death of five adult males who were occupants of the Toyota Camry. The remains of the victims were carefully recovered, bagged with dignity, and handed over to officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, for further necessary action,” the statement said.

LASEMA boss further revealed that the multi-agency response team at the scene comprised LASEMA Dolphin Team, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, FRSC and officers of the Nigeria Police Force from Morogbo Division.

In a bid to restore normalcy and ensure the free flow of traffic, it was gathered that two tow trucks were deployed to evacuate the accidented vehicles from the expressway.

“The recovery operation was successfully concluded, and the vehicles were taken to Morogbo Police Division. The road has since been cleared and fully reopened to vehicular movement,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

The Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, while commiserating with the families of the deceased, prayed for the repose of their souls.

He also urged all motorists to desist from over-speeding, wrongful overtaking and other dangerous driving practices, especially during early morning hours.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility and adherence to traffic regulations remains critical to saving lives on Lagos roads.

News

Boat mishap: SDP presidential candidate mourns, demands urgent action to end tragedies

Published

2 days ago

August 22, 2026

The Exclusives

Adewole Adebayo

By Obaloluwa Darasimi

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr Adewole Ebenezer Adebayo, has expressed deep sorrow over the reported deaths of about 40 passengers in a boat mishap in Gorau community, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Adebayo, in a condolence message on Saturday, described the incident as a “heartbreaking tragedy” that had plunged families and the entire community into grief.

He commiserated with the families of the victims, the people of Goronyo and the Sokoto State Government, urging authorities to intensify rescue and recovery efforts.

According to reports, the boat, which was carrying about 40 passengers, including men, women and children, capsized on Thursday. Rescue operations were reportedly still ongoing, with the exact number of casualties yet to be officially confirmed.

Adebayo said the loss of so many lives in a single incident was devastating, stressing that the tragedy should not be treated merely as another unfortunate accident.

He commended rescuers, local fishermen, community members and others involved in the search and recovery efforts, while calling on relevant authorities to do everything possible to account for the victims.

The SDP candidate also expressed concern that the incident occurred barely a year after another boat mishap in Sokoto claimed 10 lives.

In September 2025, a boat carrying residents of Zalla-Bango village who were reportedly fleeing armed bandits capsized in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, resulting in the drowning of all 10 passengers on board.

Adebayo said the recurrence of deadly boat accidents in the state should compel the authorities to take urgent and concrete measures to strengthen water transportation safety.

“Beyond condolences, we must learn from such tragedies and take concrete measures to prevent avoidable deaths. The safety of Nigerians travelling by waterways must receive the same seriousness accorded to other forms of transportation,” he said.

He urged the government to strengthen safety regulations, improve monitoring of boats and waterways, and ensure that adequate emergency response mechanisms were available to protect passengers.

Adebayo prayed for the repose of the souls of those who died in the tragedy and for God to grant their families and loved ones the strength to bear the painful loss.