The administration of United States President Donald Trump has condemned the killing of family members of Plateau-based cleric, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, and other Christians in Nigeria, describing the attacks as deeply disturbing.
The condemnation was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the U.S. Bureau of African Affairs, which expressed concern over the continued violence against Christian communities and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
“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.
The U.S. government extended its condolences to the bereaved families and called on Nigerian authorities to intensify efforts to prevent similar attacks.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and all those affected. 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 Bureau also reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Nigeria in addressing 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 practice their faith freely without fear of violence or persecution,” the statement said.
The latest statement comes months after President Trump shared a video of Rev. Dachomo conducting the burial of members of his church who were killed in an earlier attack. The post followed a joint U.S.-Nigerian counterterrorism operation in which U.S. forces targeted an ISIS hideout in Nigeria’s North-East, killing the terrorist group’s second-in-command, Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, along with several other fighters.
