The United States has strongly condemned the killing of members of the family of Plateau-based cleric, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, describing the attack as a disturbing act of violence that demands urgent action from Nigerian authorities.

In a statement released on Thursday, the US State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs expressed concern over the continued attacks in Plateau State.

Moreover, the United States Government called on security agencies to ensure those behind the killings are identified and prosecuted.

The American government also extended its condolences to the victims’ families and communities affected by the attack, while stressing the need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable populations across 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 bureau said.

“The continued violence targeting Christian communities and other vulnerable populations in Nigeria’s Middle Belt is deeply alarming.”

Washington said it had already engaged Nigerian officials on the security situation and insisted that more must be done to stop the recurring attacks that have claimed several lives in the region.

“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,” the statement added.

The US government further reaffirmed its commitment to working with Nigeria in efforts to combat terrorism, violent extremism and insecurity.

It noted that all Nigerians, regardless of their faith, should be able to live and worship freely without fear of attacks.

The condemnation follows the killing of nine members of Rev. Dachomo’s extended family during an overnight assault on Kum community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Among those killed was a two-month-old baby.

The attack occurred on July 12 when armed men reportedly stormed the community and opened fire on residents.

According to accounts from the area, the attackers specifically asked for the cleric before turning their guns on members of his family.

Rev. Dachomo, who serves as the Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, later disclosed that his family had repeatedly been targeted over the years.

The cleric said the latest massacre was not an isolated incident, noting that some of his relatives had previously lost their lives in similar attacks.

He recalled that his grandmother and one of his uncles were among family members killed in earlier incidents linked to armed extremists operating in the area.

According to him, the violence against his family appears connected to his outspoken position on the security crisis affecting communities in Plateau State.

Days after the burial of the victims, the pastor revealed that he received another threat allegedly from the same group responsible for the attack.

The prominent pastor disclosed that the message warned that he would be the next target.

Recall that Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo recently met with US missionary and humanitarian, Alex Barbir, founder of Building Zion.

They discussed the worsening security situation in Plateau State and the continued attacks on Christian communities.

Barbir later publicly condemned the killing of nine members of Dachomo’s extended family, describing the attack as horrific and urging the international community not to remain silent.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, says the commission cannot be truly independent without financial autonomy.

Amupitan made this assertion on Thursday at the public presentation of ‘Shadows: Protest Essays on Africa’s Most Consequential Country (1999–2023)’, authored by THISDAY Managing Director, Mr Eniola Bello.

He cautioned that persistent dependence on the normal budgetary process weakens INEC’s operational independence, adding that such could undermine efforts to deliver free, fair and credible elections in 2027.

According to him, while the electoral body remains central to the electoral process, the responsibility for credible elections extends to political parties, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations and Nigerians themselves.

“Can INEC truly be independent without financial autonomy? If we are serious about strengthening our institutions and conducting free, fair and credible elections, then financial autonomy is essential,” Amupitan said.

The INEC chairman stressed that although the Constitution places the electoral umpire’s funding on the Consolidated Revenue Fund, practical experience has shown that the arrangement falls short of guaranteeing genuine independence because the Commission still passes through the normal appropriation process.