A United States congressman, Riley Moore, has condemned the reported killing of 27 Christians by fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Adamawa State, urging the Nigerian government to strengthen protection for religious minorities across the country.
The attack reportedly took place in February in the Kirshinga community in northeastern Nigeria, where militants also set at least 10 houses on fire during the assault.
Details of the incident were first highlighted by security researcher Brant Philip, who monitors extremist activities across West and East Africa.
In a post on the social media platform X, Philip said the extremist group claimed responsibility for the attack and repeated threats against Christian communities in parts of Nigeria.
According to the researcher, ISWAP militants allegedly warned residents that Christians must either pay the jizyah tax, convert to Islam, or face death. The group reportedly described the ultimatum as a “fair deal.”
Reacting to the report, Moore expressed concern over what he described as the persistent targeting of Christians because of their faith.
In a message posted on his X account, the congressman said the killings underline the urgent need for stronger security measures to protect Christian communities across Nigeria.
“Christians continue to be explicitly targeted for their faith in Nigeria,” Moore wrote.
“ISIS West Africa is slaughtering Christians and telling other Christians they must convert or die.”
Moore also disclosed that the situation had been raised in a report submitted to the White House, stressing that increased American support for Nigeria’s security efforts would depend on stronger action to defend vulnerable communities.
“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,” he said. “Now is the time for Abuja to step up.”
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The incident highlights continuing security challenges in northeastern Nigeria, where extremist groups linked to the Islamic State remain active despite ongoing military operations.
Attacks by ISWAP and other insurgent groups have continued to claim lives, destroy homes, and displace thousands of residents across the region.
Security analysts warn that sustained violence against civilians, particularly along religious lines, could worsen instability if decisive and coordinated measures are not taken to curb extremist activity.
