The Nigerian government has expelled American missionary Alex Barbir, citing concerns that his public statements could inflame tensions and deepen divisions, particularly in Plateau State.
The move was confirmed on Tuesday by Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement (North Central), during an appearance on TVC.
“Yes, so we’ve realised what Alex Barbir has done, so I must inform that Alex Barbir is no longer in Nigeria,” Essiet said. “He has been, we can say, removed and sent out of the country because of the work he’s doing, which is creating division.”Essiet linked Barber’s remarks to immediate violence in Jos, stating that two Muslims were killed shortly after one of his speeches there. She described his comments as provocative and said the government acted to prevent further unrest, comparing the narrative to events leading to the Rwandan genocide.
Barbir, a former American football player who founded the Building Zion initiative, had been active in conflict-affected areas of Benue and Plateau states. In collaboration with a US-based NGO, he helped rebuild homes for displaced residents, including 35 housing units in Yelwata, Benue State, as of January 2026.
Local leaders praised the humanitarian effort. The traditional ruler of Yelwata, Julius Joor, said: “For the first time, private individuals have come to our aid in such a massive way. You have restored hope and happiness to our people.” Legal practitioner Franc Utoo added that Barber had done what federal and state governments had failed to do.
However, Barbir’s statements about the violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt drew sharp criticism. In interviews, he described the attacks as “not just some random criminality… This is a war being waged on people” and questioned official narratives by asking, “If there’s no war in Nigeria, what is happening?”
Critics accused him of oversimplifying complex issues involving farmer-herder clashes, banditry, and insurgency, and of framing the conflict too heavily along religious lines, which they said risked inflaming tensions. Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad and cleric Ahmad Gumi were among those who raised concerns.
In response to the expulsion announcement, Barber denied the government’s claims in a Facebook post, calling them lies and stating he had never interacted with Essiet.
He maintained that his focus had been on highlighting the suffering of victims and rebuilding communities, not inciting violence. Supporters, including COCIN priest Ezekiel Dachomo, defended his work and warned against efforts to silence voices drawing attention to the crises.
Under Nigerian law, authorities can deport foreigners whose actions are deemed contrary to the national interest or capable of inciting disorder.
The case has sparked debate over the balance between humanitarian aid, freedom of expression, and maintaining public peace in sensitive regions.
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