US Condemns Killing of Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo’s Family, Demands Justice in Plateau

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 urging Nigerian authorities to ensure those responsible are identified, prosecuted and brought to justice.

In a statement posted on X on Thursday, the US Department of State's Bureau of African Affairs expressed sympathy to the bereaved family and called for stronger efforts to protect vulnerable communities across Nigeria's Middle Belt from recurring attacks.

"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 said it had recently raised concerns about the deteriorating security situation with Nigerian officials and stressed that stronger measures were needed to prevent further attacks.

"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 in tackling terrorism and violent extremism, while emphasising that Christians and other 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, during which nine members of Rev. Dachomo's extended family, including a two-month-old baby, were killed.

According to Rev. Dachomo, the attackers, whom he identified as suspected armed Fulani militias, reportedly asked for him by name before opening fire on his relatives.

The cleric, who serves as Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, said his family had repeatedly been targeted because of his public condemnation of the violence affecting Plateau communities.

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 from the same group warning that he would be their next target.

Plateau State has experienced years of recurring violence driven by farmer-herder conflicts, communal tensions and attacks by armed groups. The prolonged insecurity has claimed thousands of lives, displaced many residents and continues to pose serious humanitarian and security challenges despite repeated military and police operations.