US condemns the killing of nine members of Plateau cleric Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo’s family and urges Nigeria to strengthen security and prosecute perpetrators.
The United States has condemned the killing of nine members of the extended family of Plateau State cleric, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, and called on Nigerian authorities to take urgent action to protect vulnerable communities and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The US Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs described the attack as horrific, expressing concern over the continued violence affecting Christian communities and other vulnerable populations across Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
The American government made its position known in a statement published on Thursday through its official X account, following the deadly attack in Plateau State.
Washington also extended its condolences to the relatives of the victims and urged the Nigerian government to strengthen security measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring.
“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 government said it had already held discussions with Nigerian officials over the country’s worsening security situation, stressing that more decisive measures were needed to prevent further attacks.
According to the Bureau of African Affairs, those responsible for the killings must be held accountable, while stronger security arrangements should be put in place to protect civilians, particularly people living in communities exposed to repeated 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.
The US further reaffirmed its commitment to working with Nigeria to tackle terrorism and violent extremism, while emphasising the importance of ensuring that Nigerians can practise their religion and go about their daily lives without fear of violence.
The American reaction 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 were reportedly killed.
A two-month-old baby was among those who lost their lives in the attack, according to accounts surrounding the incident.
Rev. Dachomo, the Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, reportedly alleged that the attackers were armed Fulani militias.
The cleric claimed that the assailants were looking for him by name before opening fire on his relatives. He also alleged that his family had repeatedly faced attacks because of his outspoken criticism of the violence and insecurity in Plateau State.
Dachomo said the latest tragedy was not the first time his family had suffered such losses. He reportedly disclosed that his grandmother and an uncle had previously been killed in separate attacks.
The cleric also alleged that he received a written death threat from the same group days after burying his relatives who were killed in the latest incident.
According to him, the message warned that he could be the next target, raising further concerns about his safety and the security situation in the area.
The allegations concerning the identity of the attackers and the motive behind the incident could not be independently verified. Security authorities are expected to investigate the attack and establish the circumstances surrounding the killings.
The latest incident has once again brought attention to the persistent security challenges confronting Plateau State and other parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
Plateau has experienced years of violent attacks linked to a combination of factors, including farmer-herder conflicts, communal disputes, competition over land and natural resources, and activities by armed groups.
The repeated violence has claimed thousands of lives over the years and forced many residents to flee their communities. Several affected areas have also recorded the destruction of homes and property, while farming activities and local livelihoods have been disrupted.
Despite security operations and various government interventions aimed at restoring peace, some communities continue to experience attacks, prompting residents and community leaders to demand stronger protection.
The US government’s latest statement has therefore increased international attention on the security situation in Plateau State and the wider Middle Belt.
Washington’s call for accountability also highlights the importance of conducting credible investigations into attacks and ensuring that anyone found responsible faces the full weight of the law.
For residents in affected communities, the major concern remains the need for effective security measures capable of preventing attacks, protecting civilians and responding quickly when threats emerge.
The United States maintained that it would continue to cooperate with the Nigerian government in efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
However, the latest development has renewed calls for the Nigerian authorities to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities and address the factors contributing to recurring violence.
As investigations into the Plateau attack continue, the killing of members of Rev. Dachomo’s family has once again underscored the devastating impact of insecurity on families and communities in the Middle Belt.
The incident has also strengthened calls for closer cooperation between security agencies, government authorities and local communities to prevent further attacks and restore lasting peace.
For many residents of Plateau State, the expectation is that authorities will not only investigate the latest killings but also ensure that those responsible are identified, arrested and prosecuted.
