Violence against Christian communities in Nigeria leaves thousands of victims in 2026

The situation for Christians in Nigeria continued to deteriorate in 2026, according to reports from human rights organizations and international media. The NGO Intersociety reported that more than 1,400 Christians were killed and around 1,800 kidnapped in the first 96 days of the year. The attacks have been attributed to jihadist groups, armed gangs, and extremist militias operating primarily in the north and center of the country.

The most affected areas include the states of Kaduna, Benue, Plateau, and Taraba, regions where numerous Christian villages have been attacked in recent months. The violence has not only caused deaths but also mass displacement and the destruction of churches. In the Diocese of Wukari, for example, more than 98,000 people have been forced to flee their homes, and some 217 churches have been destroyed since September 2025.

Local Christian organizations also report that many attacks occur during religious celebrations, especially during Holy Week and on Sundays of worship. According to the Intersociety report, more than 100 Christians were killed in various attacks during Holy Week of 2026 alone.

Although the Nigerian government maintains that the violence affects both Christians and Muslims and that the causes include territorial conflicts and terrorism, international organizations such as Open Doors continue to consider Nigeria the global epicenter of violence against Christians. The organization’s latest report indicates that nearly 70% of the world’s recorded religiously motivated killings of Christians occurred in Nigeria.

The international community has called for greater protection measures for religious minorities and stronger action against armed groups operating in the region.