55,910 Nigerians Killed and 21,000 Abducted Over 4 Years
According to a report by The Observatory of Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA), between 2019 and 2023, Nigeria has witnessed the deaths of 55,910 individuals and the abduction of 21,000 others due to terrorist activities.
The report, released on Thursday, attributes these incidents to extremist groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed herders.
Data from ORFA indicates that Christians have been disproportionately impacted, facing 2.7 times more killings and 5.1 times more abductions compared to Muslims. Attacks on land-based communities are responsible for 81% of the civilian deaths.
The analysis reveals that armed herders are responsible for at least 42% of the civilian deaths, while Boko Haram and ISWAP together account for 10%. Kidnappings surged in 2022, with 7,705 individuals taken, and Christians were 1.4 times more likely to be abducted.
**Concerns About Islamist Extremism**
Frans Vierhout, a data scientist at ORFA, expressed grave concerns about the increasing violence and abductions, suggesting that the security situation is deteriorating.
He stated, “The consistent rise in these attacks shows that millions of people are left without protection. Despite numerous pleas for help, terrorists continue to target vulnerable communities with little resistance. The military’s focus on distant targets allows Islamist extremists to operate freely and commit atrocities across extensive areas of Nigeria.”
During the reported period, there were over 11,000 extreme violence incidents, resulting in more than 55,910 deaths and 21,000 abductions. The North Central zone alone experienced 3,007 incidents of extreme violence, including 2,010 killings and 700 abductions.
**Call for Government Action**
Rev. Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, an ORFA partner, emphasized the need for government intervention to protect civilians and address the underlying causes of displacement. He criticized the current security operations for focusing on the North-East and North-West, leaving North-Central and Southern Kaduna at risk.
Para-Mallam asserted, “The Nigerian government must prioritize civilian safety and address the root causes of the displacement crisis. Armed herders target Christian communities, but Muslims also suffer. Kidnappers pursuing Islamist goals cause immense suffering, particularly for young women who face abduction, torture, and sexual violence.”
ORFA has called on the international community to review these findings and understand the severity of Nigeria’s situation.
