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 brought to justice.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, the US Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs extended its condolences to the victims’ families and urged the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities across 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 said.
The US noted that it had recently engaged Nigerian officials on the deteriorating security situation, stressing that more decisive action is needed to prevent recurring attacks and hold those responsible accountable.
According to the statement, urgent measures are required to strengthen security and protect Christians and other vulnerable communities from further violence.
The bureau also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to working with the Nigerian government to combat terrorism and violent extremism, while emphasizing that all Nigerians should be able to practise their faith without fear of violence or persecution.
The statement followed 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.
Speaking after the incident, Rev. Dachomo alleged that the attackers, whom he identified as suspected armed Fulani militias, asked for him by name before opening fire on his relatives.
The cleric, who serves as the Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, said his family has repeatedly come under attack because of his outspoken criticism of the violence in Plateau State.
He also recalled that his grandmother and an uncle were killed in separate attacks in previous years.
According to Rev. Dachomo, days after burying his relatives, he received a written death threat from the same group, warning that he would be their next target.
Plateau State has witnessed recurring violence over the years, driven by a combination of farmer-herder clashes, communal disputes and attacks by armed groups, resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement despite repeated security interventions.