US condemns killing of Plateau cleric’s family, demands justice

The United States has condemned the killing of nine members of the extended family of Plateau cleric, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, calling on Nigerian authorities to bring those responsible to justice and strengthen security for vulnerable communities.

The US State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs described the attack as horrific in a statement posted on X on Thursday, expressing concern over continued violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

The statement read: “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 extended its condolences to the victims’ families and others affected by the violence, saying discussions had already taken place with Nigerian officials on the need to prevent further attacks.

It added: “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.”

Washington also reiterated its commitment to working with the Nigerian government to tackle terrorism and violent extremism, stressing that Christians and other Nigerians should be able to practise their faith without fear.

Nine members of Dachomo’s extended family, including a two-month-old baby, were killed during an overnight attack on Kum community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on July 12.

The gunmen, linked to Fulani militias, reportedly asked for the cleric by name before opening fire on his relatives.

Dachomo, the Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations for Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, said the incident was not the first time members of his family had been targeted over his activism against what he described as genocide in the state.

According to him, his grandmother and an uncle had previously been killed by extremists in separate attacks.

Days after burying the nine victims, Dachomo disclosed that the same militia had sent him a written threat, warning that he would be their next target.

He said the herdsmen threatened to kill him in the same manner nine of his relatives were murdered.

Plateau State has witnessed years of recurring violence driven by farmer-herder disputes, communal tensions and attacks by armed groups, leaving thousands dead or displaced despite increased security deployments in the region.

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖