A recent report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety) paints a grim picture of the ongoing violence in Nigeria. According to their findings, over 7,000 Christians have been killed in the first 220 days of 2025 alone, averaging 35 deaths per day. The report also states that 7,800 Christians were abducted during the same period.
Intersociety identifies Benue State in the Middle Belt as a particularly affected area, reporting at least 1,100 deaths, including the Yelewata massacre in June, where 280 Christians were killed. The organization claims that Nigeria is harboring at least 22 Islamic terror groups with potential links to ISIS and other global jihadist organizations.
Since the Boko Haram insurgency began in 2009, Intersociety estimates that approximately 189,000 civilians have been killed, including 125,000 Christians and 60,000 liberal Muslims. They also report that the violence has displaced at least 12 million Christians over the past 16 years. Groups like Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed Fulani extremists are allegedly perpetrating mass killings, kidnappings, and church burnings, particularly in the Middle Belt and northern states.
This report echoes similar concerns raised by other human rights organizations. Open Doors, a group that tracks Christian persecution worldwide, states that Nigeria accounts for more Christian deaths due to their faith than the rest of the world combined.
Father Dominic Asor, rector of St. James Minor Seminary, urged resilience in a recent statement, stating, “We must not flee from our vocation because of trials, insecurity or the lure of worldly comfort. God who called us will sustain us, but we must remain faithful and focused.”
Jeff King, president of International Christian Concern, emphasized the broader implications of the crisis, stating, “The persecution of Christians isn’t merely a religious issue, it’s a human rights crisis affecting millions.”
Intersociety is urging international actors to intervene and consider placing Nigeria on watchlists, potentially leading to diplomatic or sanctions responses. The U.S. Department of State’s 2023 report on terrorism in Nigeria acknowledges the continued activity of ISIS-West Africa, Boko Haram, and Ansaru, highlighting their attacks against civilians and security forces in the north and central regions.
The situation in Nigeria demands urgent attention and action from the international community to protect vulnerable populations and address the root causes of this ongoing violence.