By BONIFACE AKARAH

The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has claimed that no fewer than 190,150 Nigerians have been killed over their religious beliefs between July 2009 and March 2026.

The group made the disclosure in a statement signed by its head, Emeka Umeagbalasi, alongside human rights lawyers Chidinma Evangeline Udegbunam and Obianuju Joy Igboeli, in Enugu on Friday.

According to the report, the fatalities include an estimated 128,750 Christians and 61,400 moderate Muslims allegedly killed by both state and non-state actors.

“Intersociety… announces the presentation of three graphic tables explaining our recent report on the dangerous situation of Africa’s 750 million Christians and Nigeria’s 113 million others,” the group said.

The organisation stated that the updated report, which covers the period from July 2009 to March 2026, was derived from data it claimed to have “monitored, tracked, collected, investigated, analysed and archived” over the years.

It further alleged that at least 131,100 persons were abducted within the same period, including 81,100 Christians and 50,000 moderate Muslims.

“Out of the abducted victims, an estimated 30,000 were killed in captivity, especially during the Boko Haram insurgency between 2009 and 2014,” the statement added.

Intersociety also claimed that no fewer than 50,000 Christians were abducted between 2015 and the end of 2025, with thousands reportedly killed, ransomed, or still in captivity.

“Of the 50,000 abducted Christians, about 20,000 were ransomed, 6,000 escaped, 3,000 were rescued, while an estimated 10,000 remain in captivity,” it said.

The group highlighted recent figures, stating that in 2025 alone, about 7,500 Christians were killed and 8,500 abducted across the country.

Providing an update for 2026, it said at least 1,600 persons, including 1,050 Christians and 550 moderate Muslims, were killed between January 1 and March 19, while over 2,300 others were abducted within the same period.

“In the last 78 days of 2026, no fewer than 1,050 Christians and 550 moderate Muslims have been killed… while 1,690 Christians and 650 moderate Muslims were abducted,” the group said.

The report also cited specific incidents, including attacks in Gwoza, Borno State, where returning refugees were allegedly targeted.

“Between 250 and 300 returning Christian refugees were reportedly massacred, while about 400 others were abducted,” it stated.

Intersociety further listed affected states to include Benue, Adamawa, Plateau, Southern Kaduna and parts of Kwara, noting that dozens of deaths and abductions were recorded in recent weeks.

The organisation said the three graphic tables it produced provide simplified visual analysis of long-term trends, recent incidents and projected threats, particularly against Christian populations in Africa.

It warned of what it described as a growing threat of violence driven by extremist groups, calling for urgent attention to the situation.

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