Intersociety Report Details Widespread Christian Killings in Nigeria
The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has released a shocking report alleging that 1,402 Christians were killed across Nigeria within a 96-day period from January 1 to April 6, 2026. The human rights organization further stated that no fewer than 1,800 individuals were abducted during this same timeframe, highlighting a severe escalation in targeted violence against Christian communities.
Government Spending and Continued Attacks
According to the report, which was released in Enugu on Monday, the Federal Government has allegedly spent "tens of millions of dollars" on international lobbying efforts since October 2025 to counter claims of a "Nigerian Christian genocide." Despite this expenditure, Intersociety claims that attacks on Christians and churches have not only persisted but have intensified, suggesting a failure in both security and diplomatic strategies.
Allegations of Security Bias and Jihadist Threats
The group accuses security agencies of displaying growing bias and providing protection to jihadist groups, thereby undermining efforts to curb the violence. Additionally, Intersociety points to public statements by some Islamic groups vowing to continue violent campaigns until Nigeria becomes a full Sharia state, which it says exacerbates the climate of fear and insecurity.
Breakdown of Fatalities and Abduction Details
The report, signed by Intersociety Board Chairman Emeka Umeagbalasi alongside lawyers Chidinma Udegbunam and Joy Igboeli, provides a detailed breakdown of the killings. It states that 1,050 Christians were killed between January 1 and March 19, with an additional 350 fatalities recorded by April 6. Notably, 102 of these deaths occurred during the Holy Week between March 28 and April 4, 2026, and 34 were recorded on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026.
Intersociety also highlighted that approximately 180 deaths were linked to abducted victims who allegedly died in captivity due to torture, starvation, gunshot wounds, machete injuries, and lack of medical care. Specific incidents include attacks in Benue and Kaduna States, as well as the abduction of several Christians in Southern Kaduna on Good Friday, where members of the same family were taken by armed attackers along the Katari–Hayin Dam axis in Kachia Local Government Area.
Humanitarian Efforts and Calls for Support
Amid the grim statistics, Intersociety commended Pastor Solomon Folorunsho, Founder of Home for the Needy Foundation, for providing shelter to 4,513 internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by violence in states including Borno, Bauchi, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kebbi, Taraba, Adamawa, Niger, Plateau, and Benue. The center currently houses 2,058 males and 2,455 females aged between 0 and 16 years, along with over 1,200 additional displaced persons.
The organization has issued an urgent appeal to individuals, governments, corporate bodies, humanitarian organizations, and international donors to support the center and similar initiatives, emphasizing the critical need for aid in the face of ongoing violence and displacement.
