The United States has again expressed concern over the spate of violence in Nigeria's Middle Belt, strongly condemning the killing of members of the family of Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo in Plateau State and calling on the Federal Government to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the U.S. Department of State, Washington described the attack as "horrific" and said the continued violence against Christian communities and other vulnerable groups in the region remained deeply troubling.
"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 U.S. government extended its condolences to the bereaved families and urged Nigerian authorities to strengthen security measures to prevent further attacks.
"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," it added.
The statement further reaffirmed America's commitment to partnering with Nigeria in tackling terrorism and violent extremism while promoting religious freedom.
"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 practise their faith freely without fear of violence or persecution."
The latest reaction follows the killing of nine members of the family of Rev. Dachomo, the regional leader of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), whose family compound in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State was attacked on July 12.
According to reports, the gunmen allegedly stormed the residence asking for the cleric before opening fire on members of his household. Among those reportedly killed was a two-month-old baby.
Rev. Dachomo has since alleged that he is the target of a campaign by suspected Fulani militia members because of his consistent advocacy against attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria's Middle Belt.
In a series of posts on X, the cleric disclosed that he had received a threatening letter warning that he would be killed just like his relatives.
"They vowed to attack me and kill me soon, just as they killed nine of my relatives," he wrote, adding that his only offence was speaking out about the plight of persecuted Christians in Nigeria.
The pastor, who has conducted dozens of mass burials for victims of attacks in Plateau State over the years, appealed to both the Nigerian and U.S. governments to do more to halt the bloodshed.
The U.S. intervention comes after Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia and other American officials met with Nigerian government representatives in Abuja last week, where they raised concerns over insecurity and the need for decisive action to protect vulnerable communities.
The Nigerian government has, however, maintained that the country's security crisis should not be interpreted as a religious conflict. While expressing sympathy over the killing of Rev. Dachomo's relatives, the Federal Government said investigations were ongoing and stressed that the identities and motives of those responsible would be determined through credible security findings.
It reiterated that security agencies remain committed to apprehending and prosecuting all those behind violent attacks, irrespective of their ethnic, religious or criminal affiliations.
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