The United States has strongly denounced the killing of members of the family of Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo in Plateau State, describing the incident as a horrific act of violence and urging Nigerian authorities to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Washington also called for stronger security measures to protect vulnerable communities and prevent similar attacks from occurring.
US Voices Concern Over Rising Violence
In a statement shared on X by the US State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs on Thursday, the American government expressed deep concern over the continued violence affecting communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
The bureau said the repeated attacks targeting Christian communities and other vulnerable groups remain deeply troubling, stressing that urgent action is needed to improve security and safeguard innocent lives.
Condolences Extended to Bereaved Families
The US government offered condolences to the relatives of those killed and everyone affected by the attack.
According to the statement, American officials have already discussed the deteriorating security situation with Nigerian authorities and emphasized the need for stronger efforts to stop recurring violence.
The bureau maintained that those behind the killings must face justice while security agencies intensify measures to protect at-risk communities across the region.
Washington Reaffirms Support for Nigeria
The United States reiterated its commitment to working alongside the Nigerian government in addressing terrorism and violent extremism.
It also stressed that every Nigerian, regardless of religious affiliation, should be able to worship freely without living in fear of attacks or persecution.
Nine Family Members Killed in Overnight Assault
The attack occurred on July 12 in Kum community, located in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, where nine members of Reverend Dachomo’s extended family lost their lives.
Among the victims was a two-month-old baby.
Reports indicate that the armed assailants allegedly asked for the pastor by name before opening fire on his relatives during the overnight assault.
Pastor Says Family Has Been Repeatedly Targeted
Reverend Dachomo, who serves as the Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) for Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, said the attack was not an isolated incident.
He stated that his family has previously suffered similar tragedies because of his outspoken stance against what he describes as a genocide taking place in Plateau State.
According to the cleric, both his grandmother and one of his uncles were killed in earlier attacks carried out by extremists.
Fresh Death Threat Follows Family Burial
Only days after burying his relatives, Reverend Dachomo revealed that he received another threatening message allegedly from the same armed group.
He said the letter warned that he would be the next target, with the attackers claiming they intended to kill him after already murdering nine members of his family.
Plateau Continues to Face Persistent Insecurity
Plateau State has experienced years of recurring violence fueled by a combination of farmer-herder conflicts, communal disputes and attacks by armed groups.
Despite repeated security operations and increased deployment of personnel, the unrest has continued to claim lives, force thousands from their homes and leave communities living under constant fear of further attacks.
