Jos- The United States Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, in collaboration with the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, has strongly condemned the killing of members of Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo’s family in Plateau State, describing the attack as horrific.
In a statement released on its official Facebook page, the U.S. government expressed deep concern over the continued violence targeting Christian communities and other vulnerable populations in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, saying the situation remains deeply alarming.
“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 vulnerability populations in Nigeria’s Middle Belt is deeply alarming”, the bureau said.
“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 reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to working with the Nigerian government to combat terrorism and violence extremism, stressing that Christians and Nigerians should be able to practice their faith without fear of violence.
According to the statement, U.S. officials recently held discussions with Nigerian authorities on the country’s security situation and emphasized that those responsible for the killings must be brought to justice.
The statement followed the July 12 attack on Kum communities in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, where nine members of Rev. Dachomo’s extended family, including a two-month-old baby, were killed.
According to the cleric, the attackers, believed to be armed Fulani militias, asked for him by name before opening fire on his relatives.
He recalled that his grandmother and uncle were also killed in previous attacks, adding that days after burying his relatives, he received a written death threats from same group, warning that he would be the next target.
Dachomo, who serves as Regional Chairman of Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, said his family had repeatedly been targeted because of his outspoken criticism of the violence in Plateau State.
The United States extended its condolences to the families of the victims and everyone affected by the attack, while stressing the need for stronger measures to prevent similar incidents.
The U.S. also called for urgent action to strengthen security and enhance protection for Christians and other vulnerable communities affected by recurring violence.
Reaffirming its commitment to Nigeria, the United States said it would continue working with the Nigerian government and international partners to combat terrorism, counter violent extremism, and ensure that all Nigerians can live and practice their faith freely without fear of violence or persecution.
Plateau – Nigeria’s middle belt region, has experienced years of recurring violence fueled by farmer-herder conflict, communal tensions and attacks by armed bandits, leaving thousands dead and many displaced despite repeated security operations in the state.
-9News Nigeria.
