The United States has condemned the killing of nine members of the family of Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo in Plateau State, describing the attack as horrific and calling on Nigerian authorities to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
The condemnation was contained in a statement posted on Thursday by the US State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs on X, where Washington expressed concern over the continued violence affecting Christian communities and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria’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 said.
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The US extended its condolences to the bereaved families and stressed that urgent measures were needed to prevent further attacks.
The bureau disclosed that the issue had recently featured in discussions with Nigerian officials, stressing the need for stronger action to tackle the violence.
“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 also reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Nigerian government to combat terrorism and violent extremism, insisting that all Nigerians, regardless of their faith, should be able to worship without fear.
The latest attack occurred on July 12 in Kum community, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, where gunmen reportedly linked to Fulani militias killed nine members of Rev. Dachomo’s extended family, including a two-month-old baby.
According to the cleric, the attackers specifically asked for him by name before opening fire on his relatives after discovering he was not at home.
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Rev. Dachomo, who serves as the Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, said the attack was part of a sustained campaign against him because of his outspoken criticism of the killings in Plateau State, which he has repeatedly described as genocide.
He disclosed that this was not the first tragedy to befall his family, recalling that his grandmother and an uncle were also killed in previous attacks by suspected extremists.
Days after burying his relatives, the cleric revealed that the same group allegedly sent him a written death threat, warning that he would be their next target after eliminating members of his family.
Plateau State has witnessed years of recurring violence fuelled by farmer-herder conflicts, communal tensions and attacks by armed groups, leaving thousands dead and many more displaced despite repeated security operations in the region.
