The United States has condemned the killing of members of Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo’s family in Plateau State.

The US State Department’s Africa Bureau described the attack as horrific and called for those responsible to be brought to justice.

In a statement posted on X, the Bureau of African Affairs expressed condolences to the victims’ families and urged Nigerian authorities to take stronger steps to prevent further violence. The attack on July 12 in Kum community, Riyom Local Government Area, claimed the lives of nine extended family members, including a two-month-old baby.

Gunmen linked to Fulani militias reportedly asked for the pastor by name before carrying out the attack. Dachomo, a regional leader of the Church of Christ in Nations, said his family had been targeted before over his activism against violence in the state.

The US emphasised the need to protect Christians and other vulnerable communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. Washington said it remains committed to working with the Nigerian government to combat terrorism and violent extremism.

Plateau State has witnessed repeated attacks driven by farmer-herder conflicts and armed groups.

Thousands have been killed and displaced despite increased security presence. The latest incident has once again drawn international attention to the ongoing crisis in the region.

Photo credit: U. S. Department