Convocation Urges for Clergy to Speak out With United Voice
By Luka Binniyat
(Kafanchan) – Christian clerics from fifteen states of Nigeria’s Middle Belt have raised the alarm over growing evidence of an emerging Islamic Caliphate in Africa, with Northern Nigeria as its headquarters.
This concern was raised in a communiqué after a “Three-Day Fire Convocation Of The Middle Belt Ethnic Christians Nationalities” held at the Throneroom Ministry, Kafanchan, Southern Kaduna, between October 15 and 17, 2026.
The Convocation was led by Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, pioneer of Throneroom Trust Ministries.
Participants in the Fire Convocation included ministers from different church denominations across the 15 Middle Belt states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), elder statesmen, and a great assembly of the Christian faithful, as witnessed by our reporter.
Survivors of terrorism and relatives of Christian martyrs cut down by Islamist terror groups were prayed for and honored at the conference.
A symbolic bonfire was held in remembrance of those who had lost their lives, providing an opportunity for mourning, reflection, and renewed commitment to pursuing peace, justice, and a better future, as captured by TruthNigeria.
Resource persons with expertise in peace and conflict journalism, research, and advocacy made presentations.
Documentaries were shared and discussed by participants.
Creating An African Caliphate
Part of the communiqué issued on Sunday 18 October, 2026 reads: “We are worried about the move for a world Islamic caliphate and the stated objectives of jihadist groups, especially Lakurawa, in Nigeria to create an African Caliphate centred in Northern Nigeria, and the implications for communities of the Middle Belt.
“The Lakurawa terror groups operating in parts of Kwara, Nigeria and Sokoto states are parts of the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) operating in Mali, Burkina Faso and parts of Niger.
“Its main base is now in Mali where it is controlling large parts of the country.
“It has pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda to establish an African Caliphate.
“They are trying to establish a corridor from Mali to Niger through Benin Republic into North West Nigeria where they hope to establish the headquarters of the African Caliphate,” the communiqué noted.
“The mass displacement of communities in Sokoto and the western part of Niger state by Lakurawa is just part of the plot,” the clerics said.
“Christians, especially those of the Middle Belt must not take this threat lightly,” the communiqué warned.
Nigerian military and police units have been battling the jihadist insurgency known as Boko Haram since 2009 and the Islamic State of West Africa since 2016. The Nigerian government labeled Lakurawa a terrorist threat in 2025.
Call for Significant Shift In Thinking
“The World is undergoing fundamental challenges regarding freedoms of faith, thought and conscience, as well as existential threats to Christian communities. Nigerians have experienced these changes through violent religious extremism and wars expressed in Nigeria as insurgency, banditry, and terrorism.
“The present circumstances call for a significant shift in the thinking, aspirations, and actions of our people in the absence of government actions to protect us.
“The Convocation observed that Nigeria should not be struggling for years with insurgency, terrorism and banditry and kidnapping given the resources available to the country.
Government’s Inaction As A Clear Message
“Nigeria has an array of high -evel policy and strategic institutions, Intelligence organisations run by the various arms of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry of Justice, the anti-corruption agencies, the Department of State Services, financial and economic intelligence services, as well as access to information and intelligence by international institutions and governments willing to partner with the Nigerian government.
“Therefore it should be viewed as a clear message to our people,” the communiqué added.
Call For Unity over Denominational Divisions
“The Convocation stressed the need for Christian unity, urging churches to rise above denominational differences and work together on issues affecting their communities.
“Participants called for stronger cooperation under committed leadership, noting that a united church would be better positioned to advocate for justice, peace, security, and the welfare of its people,” reads the communiqué.
Rev. Dachomo Conducts 213 Mass Burials
Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, an outspoken Nigerian Christian cleric and a respected advocate for communities affected by Christian genocide in Plateau State lended his voice to those sounding the warning of international jihad seeking northern Nigeria as a hub.
“I have carried out 213 mass burials of Christian women, children, old people including the youths in Platea state since 2000,” he told the convocation.
“These people were killed by Fulani terrorists simply because they are Christians and because of ambition to occupy their lands,” he said.
“As I stand here today before you all and God, four people were killed this evening in a village around Barkin Ladi town. I am going back to bury them to make it my 214 tomorrow,” he said.
Dachomo, who is the regional leader of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State, said that he had received hundreds of death threats from Islamists after making speeches and sermons.
Luka Binniyat writes on Security, Religion and Politics for TruthNigeria from Kaduna.
