'Total collapse of human security' - mother gives birth as gunmen attack Nigeria village

Amidst an attack by armed gunmen in Plateau State, Nigeria, a pregnant woman gave birth inside a church. The expectant mother experienced premature labor amidst extreme terror as her village was raided, with residents shot and homes set ablaze. She sought refuge in a nearby church and, with the help of her mother-in-law, delivered a baby daughter. The newborn is believed to be the youngest survivor among the 52 people killed in the attack.

The Christian charity HART pointed to the escalating 'total collapse of human security' in Nigeria's central belt, including Plateau State, where over 700 villages have been attacked and approximately 20,000 people killed since 2009. Sam Mason, CEO of HART, stated that the complete collapse of human security is evident in parts of central Nigeria after 15 years of inter-communal violence. He argued that the Nigerian government must present a clear plan to halt the killings. According to HART, over 700 villages have been attacked in the region since 2009, resulting in approximately 20,000 deaths. Hassan John, senior program manager at HART, described the situation he witnessed firsthand, noting that communities receive no adequate security or humanitarian assistance from the Nigerian government or external bodies. Survivors rely on local churches or small NGOs like HART for support, or receive almost no aid at all.

Recent reports indicate a surge in violence targeting Christian communities across Nigeria. The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) claims that 1,402 Christians were killed in the 96 days from January 1, 2026, to Easter Monday. During the same period, 1,800 Christians were abducted, and 180 of those abducted reportedly died in captivity. The report highlights intensified violence during Holy Week, which saw over 100 deaths, including 34 on Easter Sunday itself. Recent incidents include the killing of at least 21 Christians in Chibok County, southern Borno State, on March 30, and an attack near Jos in Plateau State during Easter week that claimed over 40 lives. Nigeria's security crisis continues to draw international attention.