A United States lawmaker, Riley M. Moore, has raised fresh concerns over the killing of Christians by terrorists linked to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in northeastern Nigeria.
Moore reacted after reports emerged that ISWAP fighters carried out a deadly assault in Adamawa State in February.
The terrorists reportedly admitted responsibility for the attack, which left at least 27 Christians dead and several homes destroyed.
According to information shared online by security analyst Brant Philip, the extremists also issued a warning to Christians in the area.
In the message circulating on social media platform X, the militants allegedly declared that Christians must “either pay the jizyah tax, convert to Islam, or be killed,” describing the ultimatum as a “fair deal”.
The statement sparked outrage among international observers, including Moore, who condemned the attacks and described them as a clear case of religious persecution.
Reacting in a post on X, the U.S. congressman lamented that Christians in Nigeria continue to face violent threats because of their faith.
“Christians continue to be explicitly targeted for their faith in Nigeria.
“ISIS-West Africa is slaughtering Christians and telling other Christians they must convert or die.
“In our report to the White House, we made it clear that increased American support is contingent on the Nigerian government doing more to defend Christians. Now is the time for Abuja to step up”.
Moore’s remarks highlight growing international concern over the worsening security crisis in parts of northern Nigeria. Insurgent groups linked to the Islamic State and Boko Haram have continued to launch attacks on communities, security forces and places of worship in the region.
Human rights groups have repeatedly warned that religious minorities, particularly Christians in rural areas, remain vulnerable to targeted violence by extremist groups operating across the northeast.
The Nigerian government has in recent years intensified military operations against insurgents. However, attacks and kidnappings still occur across several states in the region, including Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.