A United States lawmaker, Rep. Riley M. Moore, has condemned a reported threat by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) against Christians in Nigeria, describing it as an unmistakable case of religious persecution.
Moore, a Republican representing West Virginia, reacted to reports that the extremist group issued a warning telling Christians to convert to Islam or face death. The alleged threat followed the release of an image showing a Christian village in Adamawa State engulfed in flames, alongside a declaration that Christians across Nigeria are “legitimate targets.”
In a post shared Thursday on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Moore said the statement attributed to ISWAP removes any lingering uncertainty about why Christians are being attacked in Nigeria.
“If there were any remaining doubts that Christians in Nigeria are being targeted for their faith in Jesus Christ, this should end that debate,” Moore wrote.
He added, “This isn’t about land usage, ‘climate change,’ or any other argument the Left wants to make. This is persecution of our brothers and sisters for their faith in Christ, plain and simple.”
According to the reports, ISWAP said Christians could “spare their blood” by converting to Islam or by paying the jizyah tax, a levy historically imposed on non-Muslims under extremist interpretations of Islamic rule.
Commenting on the language used in the threat, Moore said it closely resembles tactics employed by ISIS in other regions of the world.
“ISIS is telling Christians they have an opportunity to ‘spare their blood’ if they convert,” he wrote.
“Our brothers and sisters will not bend the knee to anyone but our Lord and Savior though.”
The congressman also voiced support for continued U.S. cooperation with Nigeria in efforts to curb extremist violence. He commended the Biden administration’s engagement with Nigerian authorities, stating, “Thankfully, @POTUS is continuing to work in cooperation with the Nigerian government to stop these Islamic radicals and defend our brothers and sisters in Christ.”
Nigeria has long struggled with violent insurgencies by jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and its offshoot ISWAP, particularly in the country’s northeast. Human rights organisations and advocates for religious freedom have repeatedly warned that Christian communities are disproportionately affected, although Nigerian authorities have often described the crisis as a multifaceted conflict involving terrorism, banditry, and communal disputes.
Moore’s remarks add to mounting calls from U.S. lawmakers and advocacy groups urging greater international focus on religious persecution in Nigeria and stronger action to protect at-risk communities.
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