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US Issues Strong Warning to Nigeria Over Killing of Plateau Cleric’s Family
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.
Former governor Olusegun Osoba of Ogun State has said he is a political godfather who does not impose appointments on governors.
Osoba said that godfathers should serve as advisers and provide guidance, instead of putting political appointees in charge of elected governors.
Speaking during a podcast hosted by Reuben Abati and shared on X, Osoba stated that he does not get involved in the management of his political successors.
He said: “I agree, I’m a godfather. One thing that's helping me in my state is that I don't get in the way much, I counsel and advise him.
"I have never put anyone in his government. That’s the role of a godfather. I agree, I'm a godfather."
He said that putting his own people would weaken the governor's power and cause more conflicts than needed.
Osoba said that choosing just one person from all the people around him might make others feel left out or upset, and that anyone he suggested could end up being doubted or not trusted by others in the organization.
I’m godfather who doesn’t impose appointments on govs — Osoba
The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has officially flagged off its state-by-state campaign in Jos, Plateau State, with party leaders pledging to prioritise security, peace, economic prosperity and improved living conditions for Nigerians.
The campaign, which brought together party leaders, supporters and members of the campaign organisation, highlighted the importance of Plateau State in Nigeria’s national development and called for renewed efforts to address the state’s security challenges.
The APM Presidential Candidate and Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, expressed gratitude to the people of Plateau State for their hospitality during the campaign visit.
Makinde highlighted the relationship between security and economic development, particularly the potential of tourism to create jobs and expand the state’s economy.
According to him, improving security would encourage more visitors to Plateau, boost tourism and create employment opportunities for the state’s growing youth population.
“Once we start having tourists coming in, our economy on the Plateau will expand. We will have jobs for our teeming youth,” he said.
The presidential candidate urged supporters to take the campaign’s message to their respective electoral units, stressing that elections are won at the grassroots level.
He encouraged Nigerians to embrace the party’s proposed reset agenda, which he said aims to build a country that works for everyone.
“If Nigeria is not working for you, then let us reset,” Makinde said.
He also accused the ruling party of adopting ideas similar to those contained in the APM’s reset agenda, challenging Nigerians to reflect on the country’s direction over the past three years.
Makinde called on supporters to join the movement in building a Nigeria that works for individuals, families and future generations.
In his welcome address, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, Deputy Director-General of Operations of the campaign organisation, described Plateau State as the heart of Nigeria, explaining why the party chose it as the first destination for its state-by-state campaign.
According to him, Plateau State’s well-being is closely connected to the country’s.
“If Nigeria is sick, Plateau is sick. If Nigeria is well, Plateau will be well,” he said.
Dr. Aziegbemi acknowledged the difficult security situation in the state, noting that the campaign was an opportunity to communicate the party’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing Plateau residents.
He emphasised that the APM’s agenda places security among its major priorities, particularly in view of the displacement of communities, unemployment among young people and the growing economic difficulties facing residents.
“We know your pains. We feel your pains,” he said, assuring the people of Plateau that their security concerns would remain a priority.
He also criticised the economic policies of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that many Nigerians continue to struggle to afford necessities despite the availability of food in the markets.
In his address before the flag-off, the National Chairman of the Allied People’s Movement, H.E. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, described the security situation in Plateau and Benue states as deeply concerning.
He called for an end to violence and emphasised that victims of insecurity should be regarded first and foremost as Nigerians, regardless of their religious or political affiliations.
“The people who die here daily do not die as Christians. They do not die as Muslims. They do not die as members of the APM, APC, or PDP. They die as Nigerians,” he said.
Dantalle stressed that neither Christianity nor Islam supports the unjust killing of human beings, urging Nigerians to reject religious intolerance and violence.
He also criticised the country’s economic situation, arguing that the earnings of many Nigerians are no longer sufficient to meet their basic needs.
According to him, the APM is presenting an alternative built on peace, harmony, economic prosperity and national unity.
“A vote for the APM is a vote for peace. It is a vote for harmony. It is a vote for economic prosperity,” he said.
He urged supporters to spread the party’s message in their communities and encouraged collective efforts towards building a Nigeria that works for everyone.
The party’s Vice-Presidential Candidate, Lawal Musa Daura, also addressed supporters, expressing appreciation for the people of Plateau State and calling for their support and understanding.
He recalled his previous visits to Plateau, describing the state as a place historically known for peace, tranquillity and tourism.
Daura expressed concern over the challenges facing the country and emphasised the need for collective efforts to restore peace and improve conditions for Nigerians.
The flag-off ceremony centred on the APM’s message of security, peace, economic recovery and national unity.
The party’s leaders urged Plateau residents and Nigerians across the country to support its proposed reset agenda, expressing confidence that improved security and economic opportunities could help address some of the country’s most pressing challenges.
The campaign’s first stop in Plateau State, according to the speakers, reflects the importance of the state to Nigeria’s overall stability and development.
As the APM begins its state-by-state campaign, its leadership has called on supporters to take the message of the movement to their communities and work towards what it describes as a Nigeria that works for everybody.
The event concluded with the presentation of the party’s flag to its Plateau State governorship candidate, symbolising the commencement of the campaign in the state.
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