Insecurity worsens as Intersociety claims 1,402 Christians killed in 96 days

…says 1,800 abducted across Nigeria

Rights Group, popularly known as Intersociety, has decried continued killings in the Country, claiming that fewer than 1,402 Christians across Nigeria were killed by either Boko Haram insurgents, killer herders or bandists within the last 96 days.

It also alleged that about 1,800 others were abducted within the same period, according to its Report covering January 1 to April 6, 2026.

In a statement signed by Emeka Umegbalasi, the Board Chairman, alongside other leaders, the Group claimed that despite “tens of millions of dollars” allegedly spent by the Federal Government on international lobbying since October 2025 to counter claims of a “Nigerian Christian Genocide”, attacks on Christians and Churches have continued and worsened.

“The massacre of Christians and persecution of Churches in Nigeria have continued to widen and escalate with State actor involvement deepening unchecked,” it stated.

The Group further alleged that such denials had been undermined by what it described as growing bias and protection of Jihadist Groups by Security Agencies as well as Public statements by some Islamic Groups, vowing to continue violent campaigns until Nigeria becomes a full Sharia State.

It noted that 1,050 Christians were killed between January 1 and March 19, 2026 while an additional 350 were killed by April 6, 2026.

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The Group claimed also that the 350 deaths included 102 recorded during the Holy Week between March 28 and April 4, 2026, and 34 deaths on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, as well as other incidents within the period.

It also stated that about 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.

It further alleged that 102 deaths occurred between March 28 and April 4, 2026 alone, including attacks in Benue and Kaduna States, while 34 killings were recorded on Easter Sunday.

It also cited the abduction of several Christians in Southern Kaduna on Good Friday, including members of the same family allegedly taken by armed attackers along the Katari–Hayin Dam axis in Kachia Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, the Group commended the Founder of Home for the Needy Foundation, Solomon Folorunsho, a Pastor, for providing shelter to 4,513 internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by violence in parts of Borno, Bauchi, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kebbi, Taraba, Adamawa, Niger, Plateau and Benue States.

It said the Centre founded in 1992 as a shelter for orphans, widows and vulnerable children currently houses 2,058 males and 2,455 females aged between 0 and 16 years, along with over 1,200 additional displaced persons.

The Group, however, appealed to individuals, governments, corporate bodies, humanitarian organisations, and international donors to support the Centre.