The United States has condemned the killing of members of the family of Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo in Plateau State, describing the attack as horrific and calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
The State Department’s Africa Bureau, in a statement issued on Thursday, expressed condolences to the victims’ families and urged Nigerian authorities to take urgent steps to prevent further attacks and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“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 statement read.
The bureau said it had already engaged Nigerian officials on the incident, stressing the need for immediate action to prevent similar attacks in the future.
“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.
The US government reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Nigerian authorities to combat terrorism and violent extremism, adding that Christians and other Nigerians should be able to practise their faith without fear.
Nine members of Dachomo’s extended family, including a two-month-old baby, were killed during an overnight attack on the Kum community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on July 12.
According to reports, the attackers allegedly asked for the pastor by name before targeting his relatives.
Dachomo, who is the Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations for Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, said his family had previously been targeted because of his advocacy against the violence in the state.
He recalled that his grandmother and an uncle had also been killed in previous attacks.
Following the burial of his relatives, Dachomo disclosed that he had received a written threat from the same militia, warning that he could be the next target.
He said the attackers threatened to kill him as they had done to nine members of his family.
Plateau State has continued to experience recurring violence linked to farmer-herder disputes, communal tensions and attacks by armed groups. The crisis has led to significant loss of lives and displacement despite increased security operations in the region.