Intersociety Reports 1,402 Christian Deaths in Nigeria During First 96 Days of 2026

New report from Intersociety reveals 1,402 Christians killed and 1,800 abducted in Nigeria during early 2026, citing targeted attacks on churches.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 7, 2026, 4:21 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Politics Nigeria

A Rapid Escalation of Targeted Violence

The International Society for Civil Rights and Rule of Law, commonly known as Intersociety, has issued a harrowing report detailing a sharp increase in the persecution of Christians throughout Nigeria. In a statement released on Monday, the human rights group alleged that the first quarter of 2026 has been marked by widespread massacres and the systematic destruction of churches. According to Chairman Emeka Umeagbalasi, the violence has not only persisted but has significantly expanded in geographical scope, challenging official narratives that attempt to categorize the insecurity as general criminality.

The Human Cost of the 2026 First Quarter

Statistics provided by the organization present a grim picture of the security situation facing religious minorities. Between January 1 and April 6, 2026, Intersociety documented the deaths of 1,402 Christians and the abduction of 1,800 others. The report notes that 350 of these fatalities occurred in just the last few weeks, with several high profile attacks specifically coinciding with the Holy Week and Easter celebrations. The group further highlighted the high mortality rate for those in captivity, asserting that for every ten Christians abducted, at least one does not survive the ordeal.

Hotspots of Persecution Across the Federation

The violence is reportedly concentrated in specific regions, with Intersociety identifying Benue, Kaduna, Plateau, and Borno as major hotspots. Other states cited in the report include Bauchi, Zamfara, Kebbi, Taraba, Adamawa, and Niger. These areas have seen a surge in attacks that have left thousands of survivors displaced. The organization expressed deep concern over the growing number of individuals currently seeking refuge in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, many of whom have lost their homes and livelihoods to the ongoing conflict.