US Condemns Killing of Plateau Cleric’s Family as Rev. Dachomo Says Terrorists Had Marked Him for Death After Killing 9 Relatives
The United States has condemned the killing of nine members of the family of a Plateau State cleric, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, describing the attack as horrific and calling on Nigerian authorities to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, the US Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs expressed condolences to the bereaved families and urged the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to prevent further attacks on vulnerable communities across the country.
“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 said.
The bureau disclosed that the issue had featured in recent discussions with Nigerian officials, stressing the need for stronger security measures to curb recurring violence in the region.
“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,” it added.
The US also reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Nigerian government in tackling terrorism and violent extremism, insisting that all Nigerians should be able to practise their faith without fear of intimidation or attack.
Nine members of Dachomo’s extended family, including a two-month-old baby, were killed in an overnight attack on Kum community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on July 12. According to the cleric, the attackers reportedly asked for him by name before opening fire on his relatives.
Dachomo, who serves as the Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, said the attack was not the first against his family. He disclosed that his grandmother and an uncle were killed in previous attacks, which he linked to his outspoken stance against the persistent violence in Plateau State.
The cleric further revealed that days after burying his relatives, he received a written death threat from the same group, warning that he would be their next target after killing nine members of his family. He said the terrorists had already “numbered his days” and vowed to kill him, deepening fears over his safety.
Plateau State has witnessed years of recurring violence fuelled by farmer-herder conflicts, communal tensions and attacks by armed groups. Despite increased security deployments, thousands of people have been killed and many more displaced across affected communities.