US reacts to killing of Plateau pastor’s family

The United States has condemned the killing of nine members of the family of Plateau-based cleric Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, calling on Nigerian authorities to bring those responsible to justice and strengthen security for vulnerable communities in the country's Middle Belt.

In a statement posted on X on Thursday, July 23, the US Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs described the attack as "horrific" and expressed condolences to the victims' families.

https://twitter.com/AsstSecStateAF/status/2080402636424258011

The US disclosed that it had recently engaged Nigerian officials over the deteriorating security situation, stressing the need for urgent measures to prevent further attacks and ensure those responsible are prosecuted.

“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 to address terrorism and violent extremism, stating that all Nigerians should be able to practise their faith without fear of violence.

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 believes were armed Fulani militias, asked for him by name before opening fire on his relatives. Dachomo, 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 public criticism of the violence in Plateau State.

He also disclosed that his grandmother and an uncle had been killed in previous attacks and said he received a written death threat days after burying his relatives, warning that he would be the next target.

Plateau State has witnessed years of recurring violence linked to farmer-herder disputes, communal tensions and attacks by armed groups. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives, displaced many residents and continued despite repeated security operations by Nigerian authorities.