The United States has condemned the killing of members of the family of Plateau-based cleric, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, describing the attack as horrific and calling on Nigerian authorities to ensure those responsible are identified and prosecuted.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, the US Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs extended condolences to the bereaved families and urged the Nigerian government to strengthen efforts to prevent further attacks on Christian communities and other vulnerable groups in the country’s Middle Belt.
“The United States strongly condemns the horrific killing of members of Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo’s family in Plateau State, Nigeria. The continued violence targeting Christian communities and other vulnerable populations in Nigeria’s Middle Belt is deeply alarming,” the bureau stated.
The US also disclosed that it had recently engaged Nigerian officials over the deteriorating security situation, stressing that stronger measures were urgently needed to halt recurring violence and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
“As I discussed last week with Nigerian officials, we must do more to prevent violent acts like those yesterday. The perpetrators must be held accountable, and urgent action is needed to strengthen security and protect Christians and other vulnerable communities,” the statement added.
Washington reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Nigerian government in tackling terrorism and violent extremism, emphasizing that Christians and all Nigerians should be able to practise their faith without fear of violence or intimidation.
The condemnation follows the July 12 attack on Kum community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, where nine members of Rev. Dachomo’s extended family, including a two-month-old baby, were killed.
According to the cleric, the attackers—whom he identified as suspected armed Fulani militias—allegedly asked for him by name before opening fire on his relatives.
Rev. Dachomo, who serves as the Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, said his family had repeatedly come under attack because of his outspoken criticism of the persistent violence affecting Plateau State.
He disclosed that his grandmother and one of his uncles had also been killed in previous attacks, adding that only days after burying his relatives, he received a written death threat allegedly from the same group, warning that he would be their next target.
Plateau State has witnessed recurring outbreaks of violence for years, driven by a combination of farmer-herder disputes, communal conflicts and attacks by armed groups. The crisis has claimed thousands of lives, displaced many residents and continued despite repeated security operations by government authorities.
