The United States government has condemned the killing of family members belonging to Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo in Plateau State, describing the attack as horrific.

The US Bureau of African Affairs issued the condemnation in a statement on Thursday, according to Naija News.

The bureau said it was deeply alarmed by continued violence targeting Christian communities and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria's Middle Belt, a region that has faced recurring attacks blamed on herder-farmer conflict and banditry for years.

“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.

US Mission Demands Accountability for Attackers

The US Mission extended its condolences to the victims’ families and others affected by the attack.

“The perpetrators must be held accountable, and urgent action is needed to strengthen security and protect Christians and other vulnerable communities,” the statement added.

It said the latest killings point to the need for stronger measures to stop similar violence from happening again in the region.

The mission also referenced recent talks with Nigerian officials on the security situation, pointing to the importance of preventing future attacks.

In addition, the United States reaffirmed its commitment to working with Nigeria’s government and its partners to fight terrorism and violent extremism, and to ensure Christians and all Nigerians can practise their faith without fear.

Peter Obi Decries Renewed Violence in Benue, Plateau

Meanwhile, Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and a former Anambra State governor, has also spoken out over renewed killings in Benue and Plateau States.

Writing on X on Monday morning, Obi said the violence in the region was worrisome and needed urgent attention.

He referenced the killing of at least sixteen people in the Otukpo-Nobi community of Benue State, alongside the deaths of nine members of one family, including a two-month-old baby, in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

“For years, families in Benue, Plateau and other communities across Nigeria have lived under the constant shadow of fear, violence and displacement,” he said.

“The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. Every Nigerian life is sacred, and every life lost is one too many,” Obi added.

He called for a security system that acts on intelligence and responds quickly, rather than only reacting after attacks happen, and said those responsible must be identified, arrested and prosecuted.

“The time has come to move beyond routine condemnations after every attack… The culture of impunity must end,” he said.

Obi extended his condolences to the bereaved families and to the governments and people of Benue and Plateau States, saying the crisis was a matter of humanity rather than politics.

“No country can develop when its citizens live in fear, and no society can prosper when innocent blood continues to flow unchecked,” he said.

The renewed attacks add to a long list of communal and sectarian violence that has displaced hundreds of thousands of people across Nigeria's Middle Belt over the past decade, drawing repeated concern from foreign governments and human rights groups.