55,910 Nigerians Killed, 21,000 Abducted In 4 Years — Study
A recent study by The Observatory of Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA) has uncovered alarming statistics on the devastating impact of terrorism in Nigeria.
According to the study, between 2019 and 2023, a staggering 55,910 Nigerians lost their lives, and 21,000 others were abducted by extremist groups, including Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed herders.
The study reveals that Christians were disproportionately affected, with 2.7 times more killings and 5.1 times more abductions than Muslims.
Also, land-based community attacks accounted for 81% of civilian killings, with armed herders responsible for at least 42% of civilian deaths. Boko Haram and ISWAP combined killed 10% of civilians.
The report also highlights a significant increase in kidnappings, with 7,705 people abducted in 2022 alone. Christians were 1.4 times more likely to be abducted than Muslims.
Frans Vierhout, ORFA’s data scientist, noted that the numbers are alarming.
According to him, the consistent increase in abductions and killings over the years indicates a worsening security situation.
He said, “Millions of people are left undefended. For years, we’ve heard of calls for help being ignored as terrorists attack vulnerable communities.
“Mass killings, abductions, and torture of whole families go largely unchallenged as the military pursue targets hundreds of miles away. Islamist extremists enjoy relative freedom to carry out atrocities against civilians in large regions of Nigeria.
“Across the country, over 11,000 incidents of extreme violence took place during the data period, with more than 55,910 killings and 21,000 abductions.
The little-known armed herders killed at least 42% of all civilians, while Boko Haram and ISWAP combined killed 10%.
“In the North Central zone alone, 3,007 incidents of extreme violence occurred. Of these, 2,010 involved killings, 700 were abductions, and 297 were a combination of killings and abductions.”
In the same vein, Rev. Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, an ORFA partner and analyst, emphasized the need for government action.
He insisted that the government must prioritize civilian protection and address the root causes of the displacement crisis. He stressed that the current security operations focusing on the North-East and North-West leave North-Central and Southern Kaduna vulnerable.
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Para-Mallam said, “Nigeria’s government must prioritize civilian protection and address the root causes of the displacement crisis.
“Armed herders are targeting Christian populations, while Muslims also suffer severely at their hands. Kidnappers work to Islamist goals. Where young women are kidnapped, tortured, and sexually violated, hope for a normal married life and family may vanish.”
ORFA urged the international community to examine the data and understand Nigeria’s challenges.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
