United States Government has condemned the killing of members of the family of Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo in Plateau State, describing the incident as horrific and calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
In a statement shared on its official Facebook page, the United States Mission in Nigeria expressed deep concern over continued attacks targeting Christian communities and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
The mission extended condolences to the families of the victims and others affected by the violence, while urging stronger measures to prevent further attacks and protect vulnerable communities.
“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 US Mission said urgent action was required to strengthen security measures and ensure that those responsible for violent attacks 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,” it added.
The United States reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Nigerian government and other partners to combat terrorism, counter violent extremism and promote an environment where all Nigerians can 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.
According to the cleric, the attackers, whom he identified as armed Fulani militias, reportedly demanded to see him by name before opening fire on his relatives.
Rev. Dachomo, who is the Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, said his family had been repeatedly targeted because of his outspoken criticism of violence and insecurity in Plateau State.
He disclosed that his grandmother and an uncle were also killed in previous attacks, adding that he received a written death threat days after burying his relatives.
The cleric alleged that the threat came from the same group responsible for previous attacks and warned that he could be the next target.
The US statement comes amid renewed concerns over insecurity in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, with calls from stakeholders for improved intelligence gathering, stronger community protection measures and accountability for perpetrators of violent attacks.
