Christians targeted by Islamist extremists in Plateau – Group alleges

A global non-denominational organization, Open Doors International, has alleged that Christians in Plateau State are being targeted for total elimination by Islamist extremists and terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province, ISWAP.

The group which made the allegations in its ‘Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List’, published on Tuesday, said the claims are based on recent attacks in parts of the state, where more than 30 Christians were slaughtered by gunmen suspected to be Fulani jihadists. It also noted that communities, churches, houses, farms and food barns were burnt down and destroyed.

According to the report, the incidents cannot be treated as isolated events or reduced to competing narratives but should be seen as deliberate efforts by the jihadists to wipe out Christians and Christianity in the state.

The report noted that while Nigerian leaders are busy denying the fact that Christians are being targeted in Plateau State and other parts of the Middle Belt, attacks by armed herdsmen on Christian communities are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians’ lands and impose Islam, as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds.

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“In Nigeria’s North-Central zone, especially in Plateau State, Islamic extremist Fulani militias attack farming communities, killing thousands of Christians in deliberate efforts to wipe out Christians,” parts of the report said.

“Jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and the splinter group Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), among others, have also been active in the attacks and killing of innocent Christians in Plateau.

“Christians and their communities continue to be the targets of raids, sexual violence, and roadblock killings. Abductions for ransom have increased considerably in recent years.”

The Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List added that Fulani militias adhere to a radical Islamist ideology of expansionism, while also adopting a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP, and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and symbols of Christian identity.

“We believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Plateau State are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians’ lands and impose Islam, as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds,” the report stated.