The U.S Department of State has issued a strong condemnation following the killing of Nigerian Pastor Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo’s family members.
The development comes following a deadly attack in Plateau State, Nigeria, that claimed the lives of nine family members of prominent cleric Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo.
The incident has drawn international outrage and intensified diplomatic pressure on the Nigerian government to curb rising security threats in the Middle Belt region.
The killing of Dachomo’s family members came to light a few days ago.
The attack occurred at the family compound of Dachomo, regional leader of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), located in the Riyom local government area of Plateau State.
According to eyewitness reports and local accounts, armed assailants raided the premises, asking for the pastor before opening fire, killing nine people—among them a two-month-old infant.
Dachomo, an outspoken voice regarding communal violence and attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, revealed that he received explicit threats from armed groups following the raid.
”A few days ago, [they] sent a threatening letter to me and to members of my church… They vowed to attack me and kill me soon, just as they killed nine of my relatives,” Dachomo shared on social media.
Reacting, the State Department’s Africa Bureau described the attack as horrific and called for the perpetrators to be held accountable.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, the U.S Bureau of African Affairs said Washington expressed condolences to the victims’ families and urged Nigerian authorities to take stronger measures to prevent further attacks and hold those responsible accountable.
“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 statement read.
The bureau extended its condolences to the families of the victims and all those affected, and stated that discussions had already been held with Nigerian officials on the matter.
It insisted urgent action was needed to prevent a repeat of such 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 bureau said Washington remained committed to working with the Nigerian government to tackle terrorism and violent extremism in the country.
It added that Christians and other Nigerians must be able to practise their faith without fear.
