A comprehensive study by the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA) reveals that between 2020 and 2025, 79,323 individuals lost their lives in terrorism-related incidents across Nigeria. Furthermore, 34,773 civilians were kidnapped during this timeframe. The findings, published in the report “Four Times Boko Haram? How the World Misreads Nigeria’s Violence,” were released in Jos by Senior Research Analyst Frans Vierhout.
Data indicates that Nigeria faced an average of seven attacks and 36 fatalities every day. Of these deaths, 42,033 were civilians, while 37,290 involved security forces or armed militants. Contrary to common belief, the report notes that Boko Haram and ISWAP were responsible for only 12 percent of civilian deaths. Conversely, groups identified as “Fulani Terror Groups” were linked to 44 percent of these killings, totaling 18,577 deaths. ORFA clarified that this label refers to specific militant factions rather than the broader Fulani ethnic group.
The investigation noted a distinct religious component to the insecurity. Records show that 28,551 Christians and 13,224 Muslims were killed, with ORFA claiming Christians faced a higher risk relative to their population size. Analysis by researcher Steven Kefas suggests that religion also influences how hostages are treated, with reports indicating that Christian captives often endure more severe abuse, higher ransom demands, and a greater risk of execution compared to their Muslim counterparts.
ORFA utilized 60 distinct data points from various sources, including field reports and media, to compile its findings. The organization urges the international community to move beyond focusing primarily on Boko Haram and acknowledge the broader, complex nature of the violence, including its religious dimensions, to effectively address the crisis.
