By BONIFACE AKARAH

The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has described Nigeria as one of the world's deadliest countries for Christians, alleging that persistent attacks, mass killings, abductions, forced displacements and the destruction of places of worship have continued largely unchecked.

The claim was contained in the group's latest report on religious freedom in Nigeria, in which it warned that Christian communities across several parts of the country are facing what it called an unprecedented level of persecution. The report also criticised the response of both Nigerian authorities and sections of the international community to the crisis.

According to Intersociety, the cumulative impact of years of attacks has left thousands of Christians dead, many communities displaced and hundreds of churches destroyed, while countless others have been forced to flee their ancestral homes.

The organisation alleged that the violence has been driven largely by armed jihadist groups operating across the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions, with devastating consequences for affected communities.

"Nigeria has become one of the world's most dangerous countries for Christians, with killings, abductions, forced displacement and destruction of places of worship continuing on a massive scale," the report stated.

Intersociety argued that beyond the immediate loss of lives and property, the violence has weakened religious freedom, disrupted education, destroyed livelihoods and deepened humanitarian challenges in many parts of the country.

The report further alleged that thousands of Christians have been displaced from their communities, while many victims continue to live in internally displaced persons' camps or seek refuge in neighbouring communities.

"The attacks have created a humanitarian crisis that extends beyond physical violence to include loss of livelihoods, displacement and long-term psychological trauma," the organisation said.

Intersociety also faulted what it described as inadequate attention by some international institutions to the plight of victims, insisting that the situation requires stronger global engagement and independent monitoring.

The group called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities, strengthen security operations and ensure that perpetrators of attacks are identified, arrested and prosecuted.

It also urged regional and international human rights bodies to closely monitor developments in Nigeria and support measures aimed at safeguarding freedom of religion and protecting civilians from further violence.

According to Intersociety, addressing the security crisis requires sustained political commitment, improved protection for vulnerable communities and greater accountability for those responsible for attacks on religious groups.

Update news