Manny Ita –
A new report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has raised fresh concerns over insecurity in Nigeria, alleging that more than 1,400 Christians were killed between January and early April 2026 in a wave of violent attacks across several regions.
The rights group said the killings occurred largely in northern and central parts of the country, where communities have faced recurring attacks linked to insurgent groups, armed bandits, and farmer-herder conflicts.
Intersociety, a Nigeria-based research and advocacy organisation, has consistently tracked religious violence and mass atrocities, previously reporting that thousands of Christians are killed annually, with over 7,000 deaths recorded in parts of 2025 alone.
According to the latest findings, the reported deaths within the first quarter of 2026 reflect a continuing pattern of targeted violence, including village raids, abductions, and attacks on places of worship.
The group warned that beyond fatalities, hundreds of communities have been displaced, with survivors forced to flee their homes due to persistent insecurity and lack of protection.
However, security analysts and government officials have often urged caution in interpreting such figures, noting that violence in Nigeria is complex and multi-causal, involving criminality, land disputes, and insurgency, with victims cutting across religious lines.
Recent incidents, including deadly Easter attacks in parts of the country, underscore the fragile security situation, as armed groups continue to exploit weak enforcement and rural vulnerabilities.
Stakeholders have called for stronger intelligence gathering, improved security presence in rural communities, and conflict resolution mechanisms, particularly in flashpoint states, to stem the tide of violence.
The report adds to growing local and international pressure on authorities to address Nigeria’s security challenges and ensure protection for all citizens, regardless of religious or ethnic background.
