US condemns killing of Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo’s family, urges Nigeria to protect Christians

The United States Department of State on Thursday strongly condemned the killing of members of the family of Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo in Plateau State, describing the attack as part of the disturbing violence targeting Christian communities and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

In a statement, the State Department expressed condolences to the victims’ families and all those affected by the attack, while urging the Nigerian government to take urgent steps to prevent similar incidents.

“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.

It added: “We extend our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and all those affected. 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 US reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Nigerian government to combat terrorism, counter violent extremism and ensure that all Nigerians are able to practise their faith freely without fear of violence or persecution.

“The United States remains committed to working with the Nigerian government and our partners to combat terrorism, counter violent extremism, and ensure that Christians and all Nigerians can live and practice their faith freely without fear of violence or persecution,” the statement added.

The condemnation follows the killing of nine members of the extended family of Rev. Dachomo, the regional leader of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, during an attack on his family compound in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to reports, the attackers stormed the compound on July 12 while searching for the cleric, reportedly asking, “Where is the father of this house?” before opening fire indiscriminately. A two-month-old baby was said to be among those killed.

Rev. Dachomo, who has been outspoken about the killings of Christians in Nigeria, later disclosed that he had received death threats from suspected Fulani militia members who vowed to kill him after murdering his relatives.

The pastor recently posted on X that the attackers had warned he would be their next target, questioning why he was being persecuted for speaking out about attacks on Christian communities.

The latest US statement came days after American officials, led by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia, held meetings with Nigerian government officials in Abuja, during which they expressed concern over the worsening violence in the country’s Middle Belt and called for concrete measures to improve security.

While some advocacy groups have blamed armed Fulani militias for many of the attacks on Christian communities in the region, the Nigerian government has maintained that the country’s security challenges should not be viewed solely through a religious lens.

Reacting to the allegations, the Federal Government said investigations were ongoing into the attack on Rev. Dachomo’s family, stressing that the identities and motives of the perpetrators would be determined through credible security investigations. It also reiterated that security agencies remain committed to bringing those responsible to justice, regardless of their identity or affiliation.