News
3,083 Christians Killed, 3,193 Abducted In 8 Months – InterSociety
No fewer than 3,083 Christians were killed and 3,193 abducted in attacks allegedly carried out by Islamic jihadist groups across Nigeria between January and August 2026, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, InterSociety, has said.
The organisation, in its latest report released in Enugu on Sunday, also alleged that at least 19,800 churches had been attacked or destroyed in Nigeria since July 2009, while 25 Catholic priests, pastors and other Christian clergy were killed, abducted or otherwise assaulted between January and August this year.
The report was signed by Emeka Umeagbalasi, criminologist and graduate of Security Studies, and Lead Researcher and Head of InterSociety Nigeria; Chidinma Evangeline Udegbunam, Barrister-at-Law and Head, Department of Campaign and Publicity; and Obianuju Joy Igboeli, Barrister-at-Law and Head, Department of Civil Liberties and Rule of Law.
According to the report, July and August alone accounted for 437 Christian deaths and 393 abductions.
InterSociety said its figures were compiled from primary and secondary sources, including accounts from residents, survivors and eyewitnesses in communities affected by the attacks.
It alleged that jihadist Fulani herdsmen and jihadist Fulani bandits accounted for about 90 per cent of the attacks recorded during the period.
The organisation said 138 Christians were killed and 180 abducted in August alone, with many of the attacks concentrated in Plateau and Benue states.
It said the August killings included scores of deaths recorded in Plateau, Benue, Adamawa and Kaduna states, while several abductions occurred in Kogi, Benue, Ondo, Imo, Edo, Enugu and other states.
InterSociety also claimed that about 70 per cent of the Christians abducted in August were from the South-East, particularly Igbo travellers using major interstate roads.
It cited the abduction of passengers travelling towards Lagos and Abuja in Kogi, Benue and Ondo states, as well as the kidnapping of Christian residents in Imo and Enugu states.
Among those it identified as victims were a 10-month-old baby and six other Christians abducted at Ndegwu in Imo State, as well as passengers and National Youth Service Corps members travelling through Kogi State.
The group said 120 of the estimated 180 Christians abducted in August were likely to have been Igbo.
InterSociety further claimed that at least 2,550 Christians were killed and 2,800 abducted between January and June 2026.
With the July and August figures added, it put the eight-month total at 3,083 deaths and 3,193 abductions.
The organisation said the attacks had also taken a heavy toll on Christian places of worship.
It estimated that the number of churches attacked or destroyed since July 2009 had risen from about 19,400 at the end of 2025 to 19,700 by June 2026 and approximately 19,800 by the end of August.
According to the report, at least 230 churches in parts of Taraba State had been attacked or destroyed between September 2025 and August 2026, while more than 100,000 Catholic parishioners were allegedly displaced.
It said about 200 Christian villages had also been sacked in the affected areas, forcing residents to flee their homes.
InterSociety said the situation had particularly affected the Catholic dioceses of Wukari and Jalingo, alleging that 16 priests had been forced to flee their pastoral duties and that at least eight parish houses had been razed.
It also cited the Universal Reformed Christian Church, NKST, which it said reported the loss of 5,987 members and 753 churches to attacks by armed Fulani groups in Benue State.
Similarly, the organisation recalled that the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, EYN, had previously reported losing more than 8,600 members and hundreds of worship centres to Boko Haram attacks, particularly in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Taraba states.
InterSociety estimated that the number of EYN members killed in jihadist violence had subsequently risen to about 21,000, adding that the figures represented its assessment of religiously motivated violence and were based on its definition of jihadist attacks by groups it identified as Islamic extremist organisations.
It called on the Federal Government and security agencies to take urgent measures to protect vulnerable Christian communities, places of worship and travellers on major highways.
The organisation said its report covered attacks it considered religiously motivated and perpetrated by jihadist groups. It said the report also examined what it described as the alleged involvement of, or support by, armed state actors.
Entertainment
NIBAD 2026: Abike Dabiri To Take Centre Stage As Bunmi Ebony, DJ X-One Host Baltimore Event
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa ( OON) has been scheduled for honour, among other awardees, at the 2026 and the 6th edition of the annual Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD),billed to hold in Baltimore, Maryland, on the 18th of October .
At the instance of Naija Times USA and Raindrop Group led by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, activities marking the 6th edition of NIBAD commenced on the 3rd of October with Independence carnival in Maryland.
As part of the expanded 6th edition, the Annual Independence stage play titled ‘Your Excellency Sir!’ …The saga of a nation, written and directed by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, was showcased at a very colorful event on the 9th of October.
Designed to be an unforgettable celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence celebration, the grand finale of the celebration is billed for Sunday, the 18th of October, 4.00pm, at Gabriel Community Centre, 6948, Dogwood Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244.
The evening will not only commemorate Nigeria’s rich history and vibrant culture but will also spotlight the exceptional contributions of Nigerians at home and abroad in various fields such as business, healthcare, education, community service, and more.
The evening will feature a grand awards ceremony to honor those who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and dedication in their respective industries. Among them, Dr Dabiri- Erewa
Hon. Dr. Abike Kafayat Oluwatoyin Dabiri-Erewa (OON) is a prominent Nigerian politician, public administrator, and former broadcast journalist who has been able to show leadership since her appointment as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
To add colour to the event also, is
Dj X-One, reputed as the best Disc Jockey in the DMV area. Bunmi Ebony, a fast rising Juju Artiste in Atlanta will also be on the bandstand to thrill guests at the event to celebrate Nigeria.
****About NIBAD: The Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD) is an annual event that celebrates Nigeria’s Independence while recognizing the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora. NIBAD aims to highlight the cultural pride, resilience, and accomplishments of Nigerians globally, bringing together community leaders, professionals, and influencers for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and unity.
The Rivers State Police Command under CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju has condemned the purported renovation of the Abuloma Police Outpost by suspected cultists and ordered a full investigation into the incident.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, ASP Blessing Agabe disclosed this in a Friday statement.
She said the command’s action follows a trending social media report and circulating video alleging that suspected cultists renovated the outpost and visited the facility on Thursday, October 15, to celebrate completion of the renovation.
The command said it “strongly condemns any action or association capable of compromising the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force or conferring legitimacy, recognition or acceptance on suspected cult groups or other unlawful organisations.”
It added, “Police facilities are public institutions established for the protection of citizens and the enforcement of law and must not become platforms through which criminal groups seek public validation or influence.”
The command said CP Adepoju maintains zero tolerance for criminality and any conduct that undermines public confidence in the police.
Consequently, he has queried and relieved the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Abuloma Division and the Divisional Officer overseeing the affected outpost of their duties pending investigation.
The CP has also ordered a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the veracity of the allegations, including the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups who financed or facilitated the renovation; the police officers who authorised or approved the project; whether due procedures were followed; whether any officer breached professional standards or compromised the integrity of the force; and the extent of any involvement by police personnel.
The command said while it welcomes legitimate community support for improving police facilities, consistent with Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund, such support must not compromise police independence, professional standards or security.
“No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution,” the command stated, adding that the investigation will establish whether necessary approvals were obtained and appropriate checks conducted on those who financed the renovation.
It reiterated that it would not condone unprofessional conduct or any form of improper association with criminal elements and that appropriate disciplinary and legal action would be taken against anyone found culpable.
The Police Command in Benue State has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Otache, Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aondogu Orchia confirmed the incident on Friday in Makurdi.
Orchia said the command had commenced full investigation into the incident and efforts were ongoing to rescue the priest.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, in a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, said the priest was abducted on October 13.
According to Itodo, Otache was returning home from Otukpo when he encountered the abductors along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area.
He expressed sadness over the incident, saying the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, was deeply pained by the development.
He called on priests, religious members, the laity and other well-meaning individuals to pray for the priest’s safe and speedy release.
He also urged prayers for other persons held by kidnappers across the country, expressing hope for their safe return.
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