By Benson Daniel
The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, Intersociety, has alleged that at least 3,083 Christians were killed across Nigeria between January and August 2026, amid continuing attacks, abductions and violence in several parts of the country.
The organisation also claimed that 3,193 Christians were abducted during the eight month period, while about 400 churches were attacked in different locations.
The figures were contained in a report released by the group in Enugu on Monday and signed by its lead researcher and chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi, alongside human rights lawyers Chidinma Udegbunam and Obianuju Igboeli.
According to the organisation, its assessment was based on information gathered from residents, survivors and eyewitnesses in communities affected by attacks. It alleged that the killings were largely linked to groups it described as Islamic jihadists, while accusing authorities of failing to do enough to prevent repeated attacks on vulnerable communities.
Intersociety identified Plateau and Benue among the areas badly affected by the violence, while also citing incidents in Kaduna, Adamawa, Kogi, Ondo, Imo, Edo and Enugu states.
The group said August alone recorded several deadly attacks, including killings in Plateau and Benue. It also reported the abduction of travellers in parts of Benue, Kogi and Ondo states, alongside separate incidents involving Christians in Adamawa, Imo, Edo, Kaduna, Plateau and Enugu.
It claimed that 180 Christians were abducted in August, including travellers who were reportedly seized while using commercial vehicles. According to the organisation, a significant number of those abducted were from the South East.
The report also alleged that priests and pastors were among those targeted, with 25 Christian religious leaders reportedly killed or abducted during the eight month period.
Intersociety further claimed that the number of churches attacked or destroyed across Nigeria since July 2009 had risen to about 19,800 as of August 2026.
The organisation called for stronger security measures to protect communities, places of worship and religious leaders, urging the authorities to intensify intelligence gathering and security operations against armed groups responsible for attacks.
However, the casualty and abduction figures presented by Intersociety are allegations by the organisation and have not been independently verified. The report reflects the group’s methodology and assessment of attacks on Christian communities rather than an independently established national casualty count.
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