InterSociety Reports 1,402 Nigerian Christians Killed in 96 Days Amid Rising Violence
The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (InterSociety) has released a shocking report detailing the massacre of 1,402 Christians in Nigeria over a 96-day period from January 1 to April 6, 2026. The organization, based in Enugu, disclosed this alarming figure in a public statement, highlighting a severe escalation in religious persecution and violence across the country.
Details of the Report and Abduction Statistics
According to InterSociety, the report also documents the abduction of no fewer than 1,800 individuals during the same timeframe. The breakdown of the killings reveals that 1,050 Christians were murdered between January 1 and March 19, with an additional 350 deaths recorded by April 6. This latter figure includes 102 deaths during the Holy Week from March 28 to April 4, 34 on Easter Sunday alone, 20 between March 20 and March 27, and 16 unaccounted deaths referred to as dark figures.
Furthermore, the report clarifies that 180 of the 35 Christian deaths mentioned are linked to the 1,800 abducted Christians, representing 10% of those kidnapped since January 2026. These deaths were not included in an earlier updated report from March 19, underscoring the ongoing and underreported nature of the crisis.
Government Inaction and Security Failures
InterSociety criticized the Federal Government for what it described as wasteful spending of tens of millions of dollars on international lobbying since October 2025, aimed at denying and erasing evidence of what it terms the Nigerian Christian Genocide. The organization asserts that despite these efforts, the massacre of Christians and persecution of churches have not only continued but have become increasingly widespread.
The report points to gross bias and open protection of jihadists by security agents, as well as recent admissions by some Islamic groups vowing to continue violent Islamism until Nigeria becomes a full Sharia State. Emeka Umeagbalasi, the Board Chairman of InterSociety, signed the report alongside lawyers Chidinma Udegbunam and Joy Igboeli, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and action.
International Response and Easter Violence
In a related development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended Easter greetings to Christians in Nigeria and worldwide, promising protection for believers' freedom of worship. In a message posted on X, Netanyahu highlighted persecution in various regions, including Nigeria, and reaffirmed Israel's commitment to defending life and liberty.
His comments come amid ongoing violence in Nigeria, such as the attack on Mbalom village in Benue State on Saturday, where at least 17 people were killed. This incident, part of a broader pattern of deadly violence in the region, underscores the critical security challenges facing religious communities in the country.
