The United States has condemned the killing of nine members of the family of Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo in Plateau State, calling the attack a horrific act of violence and urging the Nigerian government to swiftly bring those responsible to justice.
The statement was issued on Thursday by the US Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs following the attack on Kum community in Riyom Local Government Area, where members of the cleric’s extended family were killed during a night-time assault.
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“The United States strongly condemns the horrific killing of members of Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo’s family in Plateau State, Nigeria,” the bureau said in a statement posted on its official X account.
It added that the continued violence affecting Christian communities and other vulnerable populations in Nigeria’s Middle Belt remained “deeply alarming”.
The bureau said the issue had recently been raised during discussions with Nigerian officials and stressed the need for urgent action to prevent further attacks.
“As I discussed last week with Nigerian officials, we must do more to prevent violent acts like those yesterday,” the statement said.
“The perpetrators must be held accountable, and urgent action is needed to strengthen security and protect Christians and other vulnerable communities.”
Washington also reaffirmed its commitment to working with Nigeria to combat terrorism and violent extremism, while maintaining that every Nigerian should be free to practise his or her faith without fear or intimidation.
According to Reverend Dachomo, Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, the attackers specifically asked for him before killing members of his family.
He believes the assault was linked to his public criticism of the persistent violence in Plateau State, which he has repeatedly described as genocide.
Among those killed were nine members of the pastor’s extended family, including a two-month-old baby, during the attack on July 12.
Reverend Dachomo also disclosed that the latest tragedy followed earlier attacks on his family, saying his grandmother and an uncle had previously been killed in separate incidents.
He further alleged that he received a written death threat shortly after the burial of his relatives, warning that he would be the next target.
Plateau State has witnessed recurring violence for more than two decades, particularly across communities in Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Mangu and neighbouring local government areas.
The conflict has been linked to a complex mix of disputes over land and grazing, communal tensions, criminality and attacks by armed groups.
Thousands of people have been killed, while many others have been displaced despite repeated security operations and government interventions.
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The latest attack has renewed concerns over the security situation in the state and prompted fresh calls for stronger measures to protect vulnerable communities and ensure those responsible are prosecuted.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
