Amidst Christian genocide claims in Nigeria, public opinion has been divided, with some alleging religious war, while some are of the opinion that the issue in the country is a result of terrorism.
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, Nigerian media and human rights organizations like 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. Five men accused of allegedly orchestrating the 2022 bombing of the Church in Owo have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The defendants, Idris Omeiza (25), Al-Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdul Malik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Abubakar (47), were arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court on August 25, 2025.
However, they pleaded not guilty to nine counts of terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government.
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.
After the public outcry that followed the attack, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited the survivors of the brutal Yelewata attacks.
The President visited the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) where many of the survivors received medical care.
Tinubu, speaking during a meeting with traditional rulers, security chiefs, and civil society leaders, gave the directive for the arrest of the perpetrators.
However, no arrest has been made as of press time.
Recall also that after 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.
Vice-President, Kashim Shettima has assured the survivors of the attacks that the Federal Government will not let the incident slide but will ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.
However, no arrest has been made as of press time.
Chibok Schoolgirls Kidnapping (April 14-15, 2014) — 276 kidnapped
The incident occurred on the night of April 14-15, 2014, when an Islamist militant group, Boko Haram, abducted 276 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, Nigeria.
Chibok is one of the few Christian communities in Borno state.
According to reports, Boko Haram stormed the school, set fire to the building, and forced the girls, aged mostly 16 to 18, onto trucks.
Shortly after the abduction, 57 of the girls managed to escape by jumping from the trucks.
The remaining girls were taken into captivity, primarily in the vast Sambisa Forest. Many were reportedly forced to convert to Islam and marry Boko Haram fighters.
Many of the girls have been released in batches through negotiations between the Nigerian government and Boko Haram, which often involved prisoner exchanges.
In October 2016, 21 girls were released, also in May 2017, 82 girls were released following a prisoner exchange.
As of press time, 82 of the girls were still reported to be missing.
Also, as of press time, no one has been formally charged or successfully prosecuted specifically for the mass abduction of the Chibok girls.
Recall also that the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping sparked massive global outrage and led to one of the most visible social media campaigns in history.
A powerful, social media campaign, #BringBackOurGirls, quickly gained international traction and the support of global figures, including then-US First Lady Michelle Obama and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai.
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.
Like others, no arrest has been made in this case.
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.
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.”
Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the Madalla bombing. The main suspect in the Madalla attack was identified as Kabiru Sokoto.
Sokoto was initially arrested in January 2012 by Nigerian security forces. He escaped from police custody a day after his initial arrest, leading to a major scandal and a new manhunt. He was recaptured the following month, in February 2012.Kabiru Sokoto was charged with terrorism for his role in the attack, though he initially pleaded not guilty.
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) se,0– 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.
