US Condemns Attack on Rev. Dachomo's Family in Plateau

The United States has condemned the killing of nine members of Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo’s family in Plateau State, Nigeria, describing the attack as horrific.

The U.S. Department of State's Africa Bureau issued a statement on X, expressing condolences to the victims' families and calling for accountability for the perpetrators.

The attack occurred on July 12 in the Kum community of the Riyom Local Government Area, where gunmen, reportedly linked to Fulani militias, specifically asked for the pastor before opening fire. Dachomo, the Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations for Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, noted that this was not the first attack on his family due to his activism against what he termed genocide in the state.

Following the incident, he received a written threat from the militia, warning that he would be next. The U.S. emphasized the need for urgent action to prevent further violence against Christian communities and other vulnerable populations in Nigeria's Middle Belt.