March 6, 2026
A United States congressman has spoken out strongly against the killing of 27 Christians by militants of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Adamawa State, northeastern Nigeria, demanding that Abuja take decisive steps to protect religious minorities.
The attack was reportedly carried out in February in the Kirshinga community, where at least 10 houses were also burned down. The incident was brought to wider attention by West and East Africa security researcher Brant Philip, who disclosed that ISWAP claimed responsibility and repeated threats against Christians in the country.
According to the researcher, ISWAP militants issued an ultimatum to Christians — pay the jizyah tax, convert to Islam, or be killed — framing it as a “fair deal.”
US Congressman Riley M. Moore responded by expressing deep concern over what he described as the deliberate targeting of Christians on account of their faith, sharing his reaction on his X account.
In his statement, Moore said the Nigerian government must do more, warning that continued American support for Nigeria’s security is not unconditional. He stated that a report already submitted to the White House made clear that increased American assistance would be contingent on Nigeria taking stronger steps to defend Christian communities.
The lawmaker concluded with a direct message to the Nigerian capital: “Now is the time for Abuja to step up.”
The attack is the latest in a pattern of ongoing insecurity in Nigeria’s northeast, where ISWAP and affiliated groups continue to strike civilian communities, causing deaths, displacement, and widespread destruction of property. Security analysts warn that without urgent and sustained intervention, religiously motivated attacks will continue to destabilize the region.
