Christians targeted by Islamist extremists in Plateau – Group alleges

Open Doors International, a global non-denominational organization, has accused Islamist extremists in Plateau State of attempting to eliminate Christianity through targeted attacks. The organization's 2026 World Watch List report, published on Tuesday, cites numerous incidents where over 30 Christians were killed by suspected Fulani jihadists.

These attacks have resulted in the destruction of communities, churches, houses, farms, and food barns. The report emphasizes that these events should not be dismissed as isolated incidents, but rather as deliberate efforts by the jihadists to eradicate Christianity in the region. Despite Nigerian leaders' denials, the group insists that the attacks are driven by a desire to seize Christian lands and impose Islam.

Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other jihadist groups have been implicated in these attacks. The report highlights an increase in abductions for ransom and instances of sexual violence against Christians. Open Doors International warns that Fulani militias, motivated by radical Islamist ideology and exacerbated by desertification, are aggressively targeting Christian communities in Plateau State, with the ultimate goal of forcibly converting them to Islam.