Former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, has condemned the threats issued by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) against Christians, insisting that the group’s actions have no connection to Islam or its teachings.
Ahmad made the statement in a post on his official X handle on Friday, reacting to reports that ISWAP had threatened Christians with death unless they convert to Islam or pay a jizyah tax.
Nigerian Newssphere reports that the terrorist group recently circulated images of a Christian community in Adamawa State set ablaze, alongside a message declaring Christians in Nigeria as legitimate targets while offering them the option to convert or pay tax to avoid violence.
Responding to the development, Ahmad said the actions of ISWAP amount to a gross distortion of Islamic principles, stressing that Islam does not permit coercion or violence in matters of faith.
According to him, the Qur’an clearly states that there is no compulsion in religion, noting that Muslims historically lived peacefully alongside non-Muslims during the time of Prophet Muhammad in Makkah and Madinah, guided by justice, mutual respect and shared humanity.
Ahmad described ISWAP’s campaign of intimidation and violence as a betrayal of Islam and humanity, adding that such acts are wholly condemnable and stand in opposition to the true values of the religion.
