A new report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has revealed that 14 churches in Enugu State were attacked by armed jihadists between May 2021 and June 2025, leading to the deaths of 117 worshippers.
According to the organisation, the attacks occurred mainly in Eha-Amufu, Isiuzo Local Government Area and involved 12 Anglican churches and two Catholic parishes.
Many of the recovered bodies were reportedly buried within affected communities.
The breakdown of incidents includes Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Mgbuji (May 2021), where 25 people were killed; St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ogbete (January 2022), with 40 deaths; St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Ngene Aguiyi (January 2022), which recorded four deaths; and St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Mgbede (January 2022), which reported no casualties.
Other incidents include St. Michael and All Angels Church, Okpurigwu (January 2022) with two deaths; Christ Church, Onumgba (January 2022); Anglican Church, Obodoudo (January 2022) with five deaths; Anglican Church, Okpokwu-Agumede (January 2022) with four casualties; Church of Advent, Ememamanu (January 2023) with one casualty; All Saints Anglican Church, Onicha-Ebia (March 2024) with one death; Christ Anglican Church, Amaofia (May 2024) with four deaths; and Victory Anglican Church, Iyiasa (June 2025) with two deaths.
The most recent attacks, at Our Saviour’s Iyi-Asaa and St. Paul’s Ikpakpara in June 2025, accounted for nine and 20 casualties respectively.
The report, signed by Intersociety Chairperson Emeka Umeagbalasi and several human rights lawyers, explains that most residents fled their communities between 2021 and 2024.
Many churches remained deserted for years and only reopened in 2025 under tight security surveillance.
Intersociety further warned that the South-East faces increasing threats from jihadist-linked Fulani militants, whom the organisation claims are occupying over 950 forest locations across 800 of the region’s 1,940 autonomous communities.
The group criticised the governors of the South-East for allegedly denying the presence of armed herders in forested areas, insisting that its data reveals extensive infiltration and heightened danger for local communities and religious institutions.
Meanwhile, the Enugu State Police Command, in a separate development, disclosed in September that it arrested 5,176 suspected criminals, including kidnappers, armed robbers, murderers, and cultists, between March 11 and September 11, 2025.
Commissioner of Police, Mamam Bitrus Giwa said the arrests were the outcome of intelligence-driven operations, raids on criminal hideouts, surveillance, and routine stop-and-search activities.
He added that 113 kidnapped victims were rescued during the same period, with many reunited with their families.
“We remain unwavering in our efforts to keep Enugu State safe for residents, investors, and visitors,” the commissioner said.
