A new report from the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) paints a troubling picture of ongoing violence against Christians in Nigeria, alleging that thousands of believers have been killed, abducted, or displaced during the first half of 2026.
According to Intersociety’s 2026 Mid-Year Report, released on July 2 and cited by LifeSiteNews, at least 2,550 Christians were killed and another 2,800 were abducted between January and June 2026. The organization also reported that 1,050 Muslims were killed and 1,150 abducted during the same period, underscoring the broader security crisis affecting parts of the country.
The report identifies Plateau, Benue, Southern Borno, Southern Kaduna, Taraba, Adamawa, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, and Nasarawa as among the states experiencing the highest levels of violence.
According to Intersociety, armed Fulani groups, Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Lakurawa, and other jihadist organizations were primarily responsible for the attacks. The organization further alleged that some of these groups cooperate in carrying out assaults, kidnappings, and ransom operations while operating with little resistance.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, Executive Director Emeka Umeagbalasi said, “Findings of the report were based on a 66-page incident database compiled from field investigations, eyewitness accounts, survivors, community leaders, media reports, religious organisations, researchers and other open-source intelligence.”
According to Persecuted Christians Alert, republished by LifeSiteNews, the report also alleges widespread destruction of Christian communities and places of worship. According to Intersociety, approximately 300 churches were destroyed, burned, abandoned, or forced to close during the first six months of the year.
Among the hardest-hit areas, the organization said the Catholic Diocese of Wukari in Taraba State recorded the destruction of 217 churches between September 2025 and May 2026. The report further claims that more than 100,000 worshippers were displaced as attacks continued against Christian communities.
Clergy have also been affected. According to the report, 10 Christian pastors were killed and another 10 were abducted during separate attacks in the first half of the year. Intersociety also reported that approximately 175 Christian schoolchildren were abducted, many of the incidents occurring in Borno and Oyo states.
The organization additionally claims that around 800 Christian women and children were forcibly converted to Islam while in captivity.
Intersociety criticized the Nigerian government, alleging that authorities have failed to adequately protect vulnerable communities, prosecute those responsible for the violence, or pursue international accountability through the International Criminal Court.
While the figures and allegations contained in the report have not been independently verified, they add to longstanding concerns raised by religious freedom advocates regarding persistent violence against Christian communities in parts of Nigeria.
The Catholic Church has repeatedly called for prayer, solidarity, and support for persecuted Christians around the world. Reports such as this serve as a reminder of the suffering endured by many faithful who continue to practice their faith amid violence and insecurity.
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