Intersociety Report: 1,402 Christians Killed or Abducted in Nigeria During First Quarter of 2026

ABUJA — A prominent civil rights organization, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), has released a harrowing report detailing a surge in violence against Christian communities in Nigeria. According to the group, at least 1,402 Christians were either killed or abducted by terrorist groups in the 96 days between New Year’s Day and Easter Monday, April 6, 2026.

The data highlights a significant escalation in targeted violence. Intersociety Board Chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi, stated that of this total, 450 individuals were confirmed killed, while 600 were abducted. The report specifically noted a spike in fatalities during the Lenten and Easter seasons, with 102 deaths recorded during Holy Week and 34 deaths on Easter Sunday alone.

Allegations of State Inaction and Misinformation

In a strongly worded statement, Umeagbalasi accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect vulnerable populations and attempting to obscure the nature of the violence. The group alleges that the administration has spent millions of dollars on international lobbying efforts to reframe the crisis as a "farmers-herders clash" driven by climate change, rather than acknowledging what Intersociety describes as a systemic "Christian Genocide."

"Such state actor denials have been dwarfed by the growing manifestations of gross bias and open protection of the terrorists by security chiefs," Umeagbalasi asserted.

Geographic Impact and "Dark Figures" of Captivity

The report identified Benue, Kaduna, Plateau, and Southern Borno as the primary theaters of violence. Notable incidents cited include:

• Easter Sunday: 34 deaths across Benue and Kaduna states.

• Palm Sunday: At least 40 Christians slaughtered near Jos, Plateau State.

• March 30: 21 Christians killed by Boko Haram in Chibok, Southern Borno.

Furthermore, Intersociety raised concerns regarding the "dark figures" of the crisis. The group estimates that roughly 10% of those abducted—approximately 180 individuals since January—likely died in captivity due to torture, starvation, or untreated wounds.

Support for Displaced Survivors

The report also highlighted the work of the Home for the Needy Foundation in Edo State. Led by Pastor Solomon Folorunsho, the center currently provides sanctuary for 4,513 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) fleeing jihadist persecution in the North-East, North-West, and Middle Belt regions.

Despite the center's humanitarian efforts, Intersociety noted that the facility has faced ongoing harassment and scrutiny from state security establishments, further complicating the relief efforts for survivors of the ongoing regional instability.