ISWAP Reportedly Kills 27 Christians in Adamawa, US Reacts

A United States lawmaker, Riley Moore, has condemned the reported killing of 27 Christians by fighters of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Adamawa State, calling on the Federal Government of Nigeria to intensify efforts to protect religious minorities.

The militants were reported to have carried out the attack in February in the Kirshinga community in northeastern Nigeria, where at least 10 houses were also set ablaze during the assault.

The incident was disclosed by security researcher Brant Philip, who tracks extremist violence across West and East Africa. In a post on social media platform X, Philip said the extremist group claimed responsibility for the attack and reiterated threats against Christians in Nigeria.

According to the researcher, ISWAP militants reportedly declared that Christians in the affected communities must either pay the jizyah tax, convert to Islam, or face death, a demand the group described as a “fair deal.”

Reacting to the report, Moore expressed deep concern over what he described as the continued targeting of Christians because of their faith.

In a message shared on his X account, the U.S. congressman said the killings highlight the urgent need for stronger protection for 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 added that the issue had already 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 Christian 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.”

The latest attack underscores ongoing security challenges in northeastern Nigeria, where extremist groups including ISWAP continue to launch deadly assaults on communities. Such attacks have led to loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of residents.

Security analysts warn that persistent violence targeting civilians, particularly along religious lines, could further deepen instability in the region if urgent and coordinated measures are not taken to curb extremist activity.