The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has alleged that terrorists killed and abducted 1,402 Christians across Nigeria between January 1 and April 6, 2026, a period covering New Year’s Day to Easter Monday.
In its latest situation update, the group said 450 Christians were killed and about 600 abducted within the 96-day period. The figures were contained in a statement issued by the organisation’s chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi.
Umeagbalasi claimed that attacks on Christians and churches had continued to expand during the review period, alleging involvement and inaction by state actors. He also accused the Federal Government of attempting to downplay the situation internationally and presenting the violence as climate-related farmer–herder clashes rather than targeted attacks.
According to the report, 102 Christian deaths were recorded during Holy Week between March 28 and April 4, while 34 deaths were reported on Easter Sunday alone. The group also cited additional fatalities between March 20 and March 27, alongside deaths linked to earlier abductions.
The organisation further claimed that approximately 10 per cent of abducted Christians died in captivity due to torture, untreated injuries, starvation and other harsh conditions. It stated that at least 34 Christians were killed on Easter Sunday in Benue and Kaduna states.
Intersociety also referenced specific incidents it attributed to insurgent groups, including a roadside bombing along the Pulka–Ngoshe Road in southern Borno State on March 28, which it said left 13 Christians dead and 24 injured. It alleged that another 21 Christians were killed on March 30 in the Kautikari community of Chibok by fighters linked to Boko Haram.
The group additionally cited an attack on Palm Sunday near Jos, Plateau State, where it said at least 40 Christians were killed. It noted that a higher casualty figure of 53 had been referenced by a United States congressman.
In a related development, Intersociety said it visited internally displaced persons hosted by the Home for the Needy Foundation, founded by Pastor Solomon Folorunsho and affiliated with the International Christian Centre near Benin City, Edo State. The foundation currently shelters more than 4,500 displaced persons, many of whom fled violence in parts of northern Nigeria.
The organisation also alleged that the centre had faced harassment in the past due to its humanitarian work with displaced Christian communities, though it said the facility had continued to provide support to victims of insurgency from several affected states.