Intersociety Raises Alarm, Alleges Fresh Killing of 1,402 Christians in Nigeria

Our Reporter 

The International Society for Civil Rights and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has again raised concerns over what it described as the escalating targeted killings and persecution of Christians across Nigeria, despite the country’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” by the United States of America over alleged religious violence.

In a statement issued on Monday, the rights group alleged that the massacre of Christians and attacks on churches have continued to widen, with what it described as the involvement of state actors remaining unchecked.

The statement was jointly signed by Emeka Umeagbalasi, alongside Chidinma Evangeline Udegbunam and Obianuju Joy Igboeli.

According to the group, efforts by Nigerian authorities to counter allegations of “Christian genocide,” including the reported hiring of international lobby firms at a cost of about $9 million since October 2025, have not addressed the situation on the ground.

Intersociety claimed that violence against Christians has intensified in 2026, alleging that 1,402 Christians were killed and 1,800 abducted within the first 96 days of the year, from January 1 to April 6.

The group further stated that an additional 350 deaths and 110 abductions were recorded leading up to Easter Monday, April 6, 2026. 

It noted that 102 deaths occurred during the Holy Week between March 28 and April 4, while 34 deaths were recorded on Easter Sunday alone.

The organisation also alleged that a portion of the deaths resulted from those abducted, claiming that one in every ten kidnapped victims does not survive captivity due to torture, starvation, untreated injuries, and other inhumane conditions.

Intersociety identified several states as major flashpoints, including Benue State, Kaduna State, Borno State, Plateau State, Bauchi State, Zamfara State, Kebbi State, Taraba State, Adamawa State, Kwara State and Niger State.

The group lamented that thousands of displaced Christians are currently taking refuge in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps across the country.

It further alleged that official denials of the crisis have been overshadowed by what it described as growing evidence of bias and protection of armed groups by security agencies, as well as statements attributed to some government-affiliated Islamic groups.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the Federal Government regarding the latest claims.