Fulani Militia Kill 9 of Nigerian Pastor's Relatives, Threaten Him as U.S. Urges Action
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 22
Fulani Militia Kill 9 of Nigerian Pastor's Relatives, Threaten Him as U.S. Urges Action
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 22
Summary
July 12 attackers killed nine relatives of Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo at his family compound in Plateau State, with reports saying they were searching for the pastor before opening fire; a 2-month-old baby was among the dead.
Dachomo said Fulani herdsmen later sent him and his church a letter vowing to kill him next, linking the threat to his outspoken criticism of anti-Christian violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
The U.S. State Department condemned the killings, called violence against Christians in the region "shocking," and said U.S. officials pressed Nigerian authorities in Abuja on July 13-15 to take concrete action.
Nigeria’s government offered condolences but rejected framing the crisis as a religious conflict, saying claims about the attackers’ identity and motive must await investigation.
A six-year ORFA study said terror-related violence killed 79,323 people in Nigeria from 2019 to September 2025, with Fulani militias accounting for 44% of deaths—four times the toll attributed to Boko Haram and ISWAP combined.
As Nigerian pastors urge their congregations to fight back, is the nation spiraling into a devastating religious war?
A Fulani tycoon is charged with terror financing. Could this be the key to ending Nigeria's Christian persecution?
With Fulani militias killing more than Boko Haram, why does the US military ignore them?
Nigeria’s Middle Belt Crisis: Escalating Violence, 3 Million Displaced, and the Struggle for Peace (2026 Report)
Overview
Violence in Nigeria's Middle Belt has escalated sharply, with recent attacks in July 2026 highlighting ongoing insecurity and a deepening humanitarian crisis. Following a tragic attack, there have been renewed calls for stronger security measures, accountability for perpetrators, and sustained support for victims and displaced families. Community leaders like Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo have urged the international community not to overlook the suffering, especially among widows, orphans, and Christians facing hardship due to their faith. This situation reflects a broader pattern of violence and persistent instability, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated action and support.