The United States has condemned the killing of nine relatives of a cleric in Plateau State, including a two-month-old baby, and called on Nigerian authorities to take stronger action against violent attacks in the region.
The US State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs described the incident as horrific, expressing condolences to the bereaved families and urging the Nigerian government to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
In a statement shared on X on Thursday, the bureau said, “The United States strongly condemns the horrific killing of members of Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo’s family in Plateau State, Nigeria.”
It added that the persistent attacks against Christian communities and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria’s Middle Belt were a cause for serious concern.
The US government said it had engaged Nigerian officials on the security situation and stressed the need for urgent measures to prevent similar incidents.
“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.”
The victims were members of the extended family of Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, a regional leader of the Church of Christ in Nations in Plateau State.
They were reportedly killed during an overnight attack on the Kum community in Riyom Local Government Area on July 12.
Dachomo alleged that the attackers had specifically asked for him before turning their weapons on his relatives.
He said his family had previously suffered similar attacks because of his outspoken criticism of violence in the state.
According to the cleric, his grandmother and an uncle had also been killed in earlier attacks.
Dachomo later disclosed that he had received a written death threat from the suspected militia group following the burial of his relatives.
He said the message warned that he would be the next target, alleging that the attackers threatened to kill him in the same manner as his nine family members.
The US State Department said Washington remained committed to working with the Nigerian government to address terrorism and violent extremism.
It also stressed that Nigerians, including Christians and members of other vulnerable communities, should be able to practise their faith without fear.
Plateau State has experienced years of recurring violence linked to farmer-herder conflicts, communal disputes and attacks by armed groups, resulting in widespread deaths and displacement despite continued security operations.
