US Condemns Killing of Nigerian Pastor Ezekiel Dachomo’s Relatives, Calls for Protection of Christians

The United States State Department, through Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia, condemned the killing of nine members of Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo’s extended family in Nigeria’s Plateau State. The killings, carried out by Islamist militants on July 11 in a remote village south of Jos, were described as “deeply alarming” and part of a broader wave of attacks on Christian communities in the country’s Middle Belt. The U.S. statement urged Nigerian authorities to strengthen security, hold the perpetrators accountable and prevent further violence against Christians and other vulnerable groups. It reaffirmed America’s commitment to work with the Nigerian government to combat terrorism, counter violent extremism and ensure religious freedom. International attention to the attack intensified after former President Donald Trump reposted a video in which Rev. Dachomo appealed for U.S. intervention.