President Donald Trump’s government has condemned the killing of family members of Plateau-based cleric Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo and other Christians in Nigeria.

The U.S. Bureau of African Affairs, in a statement on Thursday, condemned the attack. 

“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.

The statement also expressed condolences to the family of the slain, adding that the Nigerian government must do more to prevent violence against Christians in Nigeria.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and all those affected. 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 said.

It added, “The United States remains committed to working with the Nigerian government and our partners to combat terrorism, counter violent extremism, and ensure that Christians and all Nigerians can live and practice their faith freely without fear of violence or persecution.”

In May, Mr Trump published a video of Mr Dachomo conducting the burial of some of his church members who were killed in an attack, after U.S. forces raided an ISIS camp in the North-East, killing its second-in-command, Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, and several other ISIS terrorists.