A United States lawmaker, Riley Moore, has warned of a growing threat posed by Islamic State–linked fighters in Nigeria, expressing concern over what he described as targeted persecution of Christian communities.
In a post on X on Thursday night, according to Vanguard, Moore said recent developments should put to rest arguments that violence against Christians in Nigeria is driven by factors such as land disputes or climate change rather than religion.
“If there were any remaining doubts that Christians in Nigeria are being targeted for their faith in Jesus Christ, this should end that debate,” he wrote, adding that this is not 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, ”he further said.
The Congress man was reacting to viral posts on X alleging that the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) released an image showing a Christian village in Adamawa State engulfed in flames. The posts, the report said, claimed the image was accompanied by a statement threatening Christians across Nigeria.
According to the circulating message, ISWAP declared that Christians were legitimate targets and said they could “spare their blood” by converting to Islam or paying the jizyah tax.
Reacting further, Moore said: “ISIS is telling Christians they have an opportunity to ‘spare their blood’ if they convert. Our brothers and sisters will not bend the knee to anyone but our Lord and Savior though.”
He also welcomed ongoing cooperation between the United States and Nigerian authorities, noting that Washington was working with Abuja to counter extremist groups.
“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,” he said.
The comments come shortly after President Donald Trump announced that the United States had carried out airstrikes against terrorist groups operating in Nigeria.
The US Africa Command later confirmed that the strikes occurred in Sokoto State.
