A United States Congressman, Riley Moore, has expressed deep concern over alleged threats by Islamic State-linked fighters against Christian communities in Nigeria, describing the situation as outright religious persecution.
Moore, in a post on X on Thursday night, dismissed claims that attacks on Christians were motivated by factors other than 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,” the congressman stated.
“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.”
The lawmaker was reacting to viral posts on the social media platform alleging that the Islamic State West Africa Province had released an image of a Christian village in Adamawa State on fire, accompanied by a statement threatening Christians across the country.
According to the posts, ISWAP declared that Christians were legitimate targets and could only “spare their blood” by converting to Islam or paying the jizyah tax.
“ISWAP released an image of one of the Christian villages in Adamawa State burning, alongside a statement saying that all Christians in Nigeria are legitimate targets, and they have an opportunity to ‘spare their blood’ by converting to Islam or paying the jizyah tax to ISWAP,” one of the posts read.
Responding to the development, Moore wrote, “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.”
The congressman also commended ongoing cooperation between the United States and Nigerian authorities in combating terrorist groups in the country.
“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 stated.