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‘If Nigeria Govt Fails to Protect You, Defend Yourselves’ — US Activist Speaks Amid Insecurity

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A United States-based activist, Alex Barbir, has responded to growing concerns over his comments on insecurity in Nigeria, insisting that his advocacy is centered on protection and humanitarian support, not violence.

The remarks follow backlash over his statement, “If Nigeria Govt Fails to Protect You, Defend Yourselves,” which sparked debate across the country amid worsening security challenges in parts of Plateau State and Benue State.

Speaking during an interview on TVC News, Barbir denied claims that his presence and public comments have contributed to violence. He said his work has always focused on helping affected communities rebuild and stay safe.

Barbir explained that his involvement in Nigeria is tied to humanitarian efforts through his initiative, Building Zion, and Equipping the Persecuted, an organisation led by Judd Saul. According to him, these platforms have supported rebuilding efforts in crisis-hit areas, especially in Benue, where homes, schools, and worship centres have been restored.

Reacting to accusations that his statements could incite violence, Barbir dismissed the claims and maintained that he has never promoted attacks.

“I have never once called for anybody to be murdered. I have called for people to be protected,” he said.

He stressed that his message has consistently urged authorities to improve security, while also acknowledging the reality faced by communities under threat.

On reports linking his visit to Plateau with a deadly attack, Barbir said the claims were misleading. He stated that the killings happened before he arrived, describing the narrative as false.

“They had killed two people before I arrived. So it’s a false narrative to say my presence caused that,” he added.

Barbir noted that the violence in both Plateau and Benue states did not start recently, describing it as a long-standing crisis marked by repeated attacks and reprisals.

Despite criticism, he defended his stance on self-defense, arguing that vulnerable communities should not remain helpless in the face of danger.

“If the government is failing to protect you, you should protect yourselves from people who would take your life. There’s nothing wrong with that,” he stated.

He also clarified that his advocacy is not based on religion or bias, noting that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from the violence. According to him, his mission is purely humanitarian and focused on saving lives.

Barbir further rejected claims that he is pushing foreign interests in Nigeria. He challenged critics to present proof, adding that his work is funded through donations from churches, individuals, and humanitarian organisations.

Despite the controversy surrounding his comments, Barbir confirmed that he plans to return to Nigeria. He said his focus remains on reconstruction projects and continued support for communities affected by violence.

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Late Lightning in Yamoussoukro: Dunstan, Adegbuyi Strike as Flamingos Sink Burkina Faso 2-0 for Perfect WAFU-B Hat-Trick

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September 21, 2026

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Nigeria’s Flamingos struck twice in the closing stages to defeat Burkina Faso 2-0 on Monday, extending their perfect start at the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls’ Cup in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, to three consecutive victories.

After Burkina Faso frustrated Nigeria for more than 80 minutes, Mary Dunstan finally broke the resistance in the 82nd minute, before Oluwakemi Adegbuyi sealed the victory deep into stoppage time in the 90+4th minute.

Read Also: “There’s Still More to Come” — Harmony Chidi Sends Message as Flamingos Turn Focus to Burkina Faso | Sports247 Nigeria

The result means coach Akeem Busari’s side have collected maximum points from their opening three matches and scored 11 goals while conceding only two.

Nigeria entered the contest as the competition’s form team following a 5-0 demolition of Niger Republic and a dramatic 4-2 victory over Ghana, achieved despite playing the final half-hour with 10 players.

Burkina Faso, however, presented a different challenge. They had recovered from an opening 4-0 defeat by Ghana to beat hosts Côte d’Ivoire 1-0, and their compact approach kept the Flamingos scoreless for most of Monday’s encounter.

Nigeria’s persistence eventually paid off through Dunstan, who has now scored in all three matches at the tournament. She also found the net against Niger and Ghana.

Adegbuyi then delivered the knockout blow in stoppage time, adding to the goal she scored against Ghana and completing another successful night for the World Cup-bound Flamingos.

Busari had warned before the match that Burkina Faso would not be underestimated, stressing that Nigeria could not afford complacency despite winning their opening fixtures.

The victory keeps Nigeria firmly on course in the six-team league-format competition, which was adopted following Benin Republic’s withdrawal.

Next comes another major examination: hosts Côte d’Ivoire on September 24, before Nigeria conclude their programme against Togo on September 27.

Three games. Three victories. Eleven goals. And with Dunstan and Adegbuyi delivering when Burkina Faso appeared capable of holding out, the Flamingos’ perfect run in Yamoussoukro rolls on.

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FG Continues NEMSAS Rollout, Strengthens Emergency Care and Hospital Infrastructure in Bauchi

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49 minutes ago

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September 21, 2026

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The Federal Government has continued the nationwide rollout of the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) with the deployment of new ambulances to selected health facilities in Bauchi State, alongside the unveiling of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) facility at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH).

The interventions, unveiled by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, are part of the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), particularly Pillar 4, which focuses on improving the health security of the nation.

The NEMSAS ambulances will strengthen emergency referrals across selected facilities, including Toro General Hospital, Gamawa Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Misau, ATBUTH and the Fistula Centre in Ningi. The Bauchi deployment builds on the Federal Government’s continuing rollout of NEMSAS across the country, following recent deployments in Plateau and Ogun States.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Pate said timely access to emergency care is essential to saving lives, particularly in communities where distance and inadequate referral capacity can delay life-saving care. He urged beneficiary institutions to ensure the ambulances are properly utilised, maintained and integrated into referral pathways.

The Minister also highlighted the Federal Government’s broader investments in Bauchi’s health system, including the ongoing expansion of ATBUTH, the Federal Medical Centre in Misau, the North-East Vesicovaginal Fistula Centre in Ningi and the revitalisation of more than 100 primary healthcare centres through federal-state collaboration. Earlier in 2026, the Federal Government deployed approximately ₦10 billion worth of medical equipment, medicines, ambulances and maternity kits to health facilities across the state.

At ATBUTH, the newly unveiled CNG facility, aimed at improving the efficiency and sustainability of energy use within the hospital, forms part of efforts to strengthen the infrastructure that supports hospital operations. The ongoing expansion of the teaching hospital is expected to increase capacity for tertiary and specialised services. The Federal Government is also investing in advanced diagnostics and cancer care to bring specialised services closer to citizens and reduce the need for patients to travel outside the state for essential care.

Prof. Pate said the investments demonstrate the administration’s focus on translating policy commitments into practical improvements in the health system. He added that the Federal Government would continue to work with the Bauchi State Government, health institutions and other stakeholders to ensure that investments in emergency care, infrastructure and specialised services translate into improved access and better health outcomes for the people of Bauchi State.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare remains committed to its mandate to save lives, reduce both physical and financial pain, and produce health for all Nigerians.

The post FG Continues NEMSAS Rollout, Strengthens Emergency Care and Hospital Infrastructure in Bauchi appeared first on Business Today NG.

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