Allegations of ongoing Christian genocide in Nigeria have been making rounds for over a month, particularly after the United States President, Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.
Lawmakers in the United States, including U.S Senator Ted Cruz, have lamented attacks on Nigerian Christian communities, alleging that the government is complicit in the killings.
However, several Nigerian officials have denied allegations of being complicit in attacks on Nigerian Christian communities.
The Nigerian government also dismissed allegations of Christian genocide, claiming that the Nigerian laws and constitution allow religious freedom in the country.
Meanwhile, with the ongoing debates, this digital media newspaper highlights some attacks on Nigerian Christian communities.
Below, we detail the top 10 by death toll, drawing from reports by government agencies, human rights organizations like Open Doors, Christian Solidarity International (CSI), and Amnesty International.
Owo Catholic Church Attack, Ondo State (June 2022) – 50 Killed
One of the deadliest attacks on Nigerian Christian communities occurred on June 5, 2022, when suspected ISWAP fighters attacked St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo state, reportedly claiming 50 lives during Pentecost Mass.
Late Ondo Governor Rotimi Akeredolu called it a “vile and satanic” black Sunday, vowing resources to hunt the perpetrators. Though arrests followed in 2025, the attackers are currently facing court trial.
Yelwata Massacre (Benue State, June 13, 2025) – Over 200 Killed
Suspected Fulani militants stormed the Yelwata displacement camp, reportedly targeting a predominantly Catholic farming community sheltering 400 internally displaced persons (IDPs).
It was reportedly that the suspected Fulani militants were armed with rifles, machetes, and fuel. The attackers also reportedly set homes ablaze and slaughtered families as they slept.
Following the attack, Pope Leo called for global prayers for the victims of a “terrible massacre” in Benue State, Nigeria.
The Pope prayed for “security, justice, and peace” in Nigeria, adding that he was thinking in particular of the “rural Christian communities of the Benue State who have been relentless victims of violence”.
Plateau Christmas Eve Attacks (Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Mangu, December 24-26, 2023) – Over 200 Killed
On the eve of 2023’s Christmas, some suspected Fulani militias launched strikes on 26 villages in Plateau State, destroying churches and homes while gunning down worshippers.
Over 200 Christians were reportedly killed, with 32,000 displaced from their homes.
Sankera Massacre (Benue State, April 2025) – 72 Killed
Another example of the attacks on Nigerian Christian communities occurred in Sankera, Benue, where some suspected Fulani jihadists reportedly killed over 72 Christians in Sankera.
Women and children comprised most victims, their bodies mutilated in fields meant for planting.
Zike Village Palm Sunday Massacre (Plateau State, April 13, 2025) – 56 Killed
Also, some suspected Fulani militias invaded Zike on Palm Sunday, reportedly massacring 56 villagers, including 15 children, in Bassa Local Government Area.
According to reports, the attackers arrived in the town on motorbikes, firing AK-47s, razing 103 homes, and displacing 2,000.
Hurti Community Attacks (Bokkos LGA, April 2, 2025) – 56 Killed
Simultaneous assaults on 15 villages in Hurti reportedly left 56 Christians dead, 28 injured, and 5,000 displaced.
Madalla Church Bombing (Niger State, December 25, 2011) – 37+ Killed
A suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber detonated outside Saint Theresa Catholic Church during Christmas Mass, killing at least 37 and wounding 50. The blast shredded pews and scattered hymnals. Boko Haram claimed it as retribution against “infidels.”
Bindi Village Raid (Plateau State, July 15, 2025) – 27 Killed
Gunmen stormed Bindi at midnight, reportedly killing 27, mostly women and children, in the Tahoss district. Bodies were buried in shallow churchyard graves days later, attended by thousands.
Jebu Village Assault (Plateau State, July 14, 2025) – 32 Killed
The night before Bindi’s tragedy, suspected Fulani attackers razed Jebu, killing 32 in a machete-and-fire blitz. Survivors hid in forests, emerging to find homes looted. This raid, part of Bokkos-Bassa’s summer bloodbath, displaced thousands and burned unharvested crops, exacerbating food insecurity.
Dogon Noma Village Attack (Kaduna State, March 11, 2019) – 71 Killed
Suspected Fulani militias attacked Dogon Noma at dawn, reportedly killing 71, mostly women and children, while chanting jihadist slogans. Pregnant mothers and infants were among the dead, buried in mass graves.
