Terrorists from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have torched a Christian village in Nigeria's Adamawa State, issuing a brutal ultimatum to residents: convert to Islam or face death. The attack, captured in a militant-released video, marks a sharp escalation in targeting Christian communities amid recent military setbacks for the group.
Security analyst Brant Philip highlighted the incident via a viral video where ISWAP shared images of the blazing village, declaring all Nigerian Christians as legitimate targets. Residents faced stark choices: embrace Islam, pay jizyah tax to the militants, or perish, underscoring the group's ideological drive. The assault razed homes and structures in the unnamed village, forcing survivors to flee northeastern Nigeria's volatile terrain.
The strike appears as reprisal for joint Nigerian-US airstrikes on an ISWAP stronghold in Sokoto State, confirmed by President Donald Trump days earlier. Adamawa, bordering Cameroon, endures frequent jihadist incursions from Boko Haram and ISWAP splinters, displacing thousands and crippling local economies. Prior raids on nearby spots like Banga and Wagga Mongoro saw similar arson, killings, and church demolitions.
ISWAP's propaganda aims to sow fear among Christians, who form a significant portion of Adamawa's population vulnerable due to sparse security in rural areas. Over 200,000 remain displaced in the state from ongoing violence, straining humanitarian aid. Nigerian forces bolster patrols, but analysts warn of intensified clashes as militants regroup post-airstrikes.