By BONIFACE AKARAH

A new report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has alleged that jihadist groups operating in Nigeria destroyed more than 300 churches, killed at least 10 pastors, abducted another 10, and forcibly converted over 800 Christian women and children to Islam within a one-year period.

The report, released by Intersociety, painted a grim picture of worsening religious persecution across parts of Nigeria. It claimed that the attacks were carried out mainly by armed jihadist groups operating in the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions, warning that the scale of violence poses a serious threat to religious freedom and national stability.

According to the report, the destruction of places of worship and attacks on Christian communities intensified during the review period, with hundreds of churches allegedly razed while many communities were displaced.

The organisation also alleged that at least 10 Christian clerics were killed during the period, while another 10 were kidnapped by armed groups, with several victims reportedly remaining in captivity.

Intersociety further claimed that more than 800 Christian women and children were abducted and forcibly converted to Islam after being taken from their communities by armed groups.

"The report documented the destruction of over 300 churches, the killing of at least 10 pastors, the abduction of another 10 pastors and the forceful conversion of over 800 Christian women and children to Islam," the organisation stated.

It alleged that the attacks formed part of a broader pattern of targeted violence against Christian communities, resulting in deaths, displacement, destruction of livelihoods and widespread humanitarian suffering.

According to the report, several Christian communities were overrun by armed groups, forcing thousands of residents to flee their ancestral homes while churches, schools and other community facilities were destroyed.

"The scale of the attacks has continued to undermine religious freedom, community safety and peaceful coexistence in many affected areas," Intersociety said.

The organisation expressed concern that the alleged attacks had continued despite repeated warnings by civil society groups and international observers, urging Nigerian authorities to strengthen protection for vulnerable communities.

It also called on the Federal Government, security agencies and the international community to take urgent steps to halt the attacks, ensure justice for victims and hold perpetrators accountable.

Intersociety urged relevant regional and international human rights institutions to closely monitor developments in Nigeria, insisting that stronger measures were needed to protect freedom of religion and prevent further attacks on civilians.

The report forms part of Intersociety's broader assessment of religious freedom and security conditions in Nigeria, which also examined alleged forced displacement, attacks on communities and the response of national and international institutions to the crisis.

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