January 1, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel | News
A United States lawmaker, Rep. Riley M. Moore, has strongly condemned the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) over a fresh threat directed at Christians in Nigeria, describing it as clear and deliberate religious persecution.
Moore’s reaction follows reports that the terror group released an image showing a Christian village in Adamawa State engulfed in flames, alongside a statement declaring Christians across Nigeria “legitimate targets.”
In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, the West Virginia Republican said the message attributed to ISWAP leaves no doubt that Christians in Nigeria are being targeted solely because of their faith.
“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 dismissed arguments that the violence is driven by land disputes or climate-related factors, insisting it is fundamentally religious persecution.
“This isn’t about land usage, ‘climate change,’ or any other excuse the Left wants to make. This is persecution of our brothers and sisters for their faith in Christ, plain and simple,” he added.
According to reports, ISWAP warned that Christians could “spare their blood” only by converting to Islam or by paying jizyah, a tax historically imposed on non-Muslims under extremist interpretations of Islamic rule.
Moore compared the threat to tactics previously 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 said, adding that believers “will not bend the knee to anyone but our Lord and Savior.”
The congressman also expressed support for continued U.S. collaboration with Nigeria to counter extremist violence. He praised the Biden administration’s engagement with Nigerian authorities, noting that efforts are ongoing to combat radical groups and protect vulnerable communities.
Nigeria has long battled deadly insurgencies from jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and its splinter faction, ISWAP, particularly in the country’s northeast. Human rights organizations and religious freedom advocates have repeatedly warned that Christian communities are disproportionately targeted in the conflict.
While the Nigerian government often describes the crisis as multifaceted—citing terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes—Moore’s remarks add to growing calls from U.S. lawmakers and international advocates for increased global attention and stronger measures to address religious persecution in Nigeria.
