A rights group, the International Society for Civil Rights and Rule of Law (Intersociety), has alleged an escalation in the killing and persecution of Christians across Nigeria, raising concerns over what it described as worsening insecurity and targeted violence.
In a statement issued on Monday, the group claimed that attacks on Christian communities and churches have continued to spread, with what it termed unchecked involvement of state actors.
The statement was jointly signed by Emeka Umeagbalasi, Head of Intersociety, alongside Chidinma Evangeline Udegbunam and Obianuju Joy Igboeli, who head key departments within the organisation.
According to the group, despite repeated denials by the Nigerian government of any targeted religious killings, incidents of violence have intensified. It alleged that significant resources had been spent by authorities on international lobbying to counter claims of what it described as a “Christian genocide,” while attacks on the ground persisted.
Intersociety further claimed that security agencies had shown bias and failed to adequately address the situation, while also alleging that some groups had openly expressed intentions to continue violent campaigns.
Providing figures, the organisation said that 1,402 Christians were killed and 1,800 abducted between 1 January and 6 April 2026. It added that the figures included 350 deaths recorded in early April, with incidents reported during the Holy Week and on Easter Sunday.
The group also alleged that some abducted victims died in captivity due to torture, starvation, injuries, and inhumane treatment. It claimed that a portion of the reported deaths resulted from such conditions.
According to Intersociety, the violence has affected several states, including Benue State, Kaduna State, Borno State, Plateau State, Zamfara State, Taraba State, Adamawa State, and Niger State, among others.
It added that thousands of displaced persons are currently taking refuge in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps across the country.
While the group’s claims highlight growing concerns over insecurity, the Nigerian government has consistently maintained that violence in the country is not targeted at any particular religious group but is part of broader security challenges.
The latest report is likely to intensify ongoing debates about security, governance, and the protection of vulnerable communities as Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security threats.
