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

Published

7 months ago

April 15, 2026

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.

Related Topics:‘If Nigeria Govt Fails to Protect You Alex Barbir Defend Yourselves

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Those criticising APC on insecurity did nothing for 20 years – Yari

Published

1 hour ago

November 14, 2026

PlateauReports

The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, APC-PCC, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has criticised those accusing the ruling party of failing to address insecurity, saying they did nothing to tackle the problem for over 20 years.

Yari made the remarks on Saturday during the APC presidential rally in Jos, Plateau State, while defending the administration of President Bola Tinubu against criticisms over its handling of insecurity.

“Those who are saying we don’t have a plan for security, I want to remind them that they did nothing about insecurity for over 20 years because it started during their time,” Yari said

The former governor of Zamfara State assured Nigerians that the APC would implement its manifesto, adding that the party expected to achieve almost all its promises by 2031.

Yari also expressed confidence in the APC’s chances in Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general election.

He said political leaders and influential figures in the state had assured President Tinubu of their support.

Yari further praised Tinubu’s leadership, particularly over the increase in revenue accruing to the Federation Account.

He recalled that the President inherited a federation account balance of N732 billion in June 2023, but said the figure had since risen to trillions of naira.

News

2027: We won't endorse any politician, political party – Yoruba Imams, Alfas

Published

1 hour ago

November 14, 2026

PlateauReports

The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has declared that it would not endorse any politician or political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Chairman, Board of Trustees of the League, Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory, made this declaration at the opening of a three-day conference organised by the League for Imams, Alfas, political office holders and traditional rulers.

The event, which took place in Ibadan on Saturday, was attended by Governor Seyi Makinde, President of the League, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Abubakar, Alfa Agba of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulbari Adetunji, Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, Secretary General of the League, Sheikh Mustapha Oseni Adewale Hamzat and Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrim Welfare Board (Muslim Wing) Sheikh Hashim Atere and Professor Kamil Olosho.

Others are Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Akinola, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Bashir Abioye, Professor Amidu Sanni, Professor Adam Surajudeen and Iyalode Adini of Yorubaland, Alhaja Sedeekat Aderibigbe, alongside other notable Islamic clerics, scholars and Muslims from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos and Ondo states.

Abdullahi El-Ilory while speaking on behalf of the League, explained that the group cannot declare support or announce any politician or political party as its choice for the forthcoming general elections.

He explained that the only thing the League can do and is still doing is to pray to God to give Nigerians credible leaders that will make life more meaningful for the citizens.

Abdullahi El-Ilory said, "We are religious leaders, we are not politicians, but we are the fathers of politicians. We will not declare support for any political party or politicians.

"We the league of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland cannot declare support or announce our support for any politician or political party. We can only pray to God for Him to give us credible leaders."

Makinde, while addressing the gathering, urged Nigerians to see themselves as one.

He advised Muslim clerics not to allow people to use religion to cause confusion in the forthcoming general elections.

Kewulere, in his contribution, noted that the focus of clerics should be to guide the people and preach the religion of Islam.

He said, "We are not politicians. An Imam is not supposed to be involved in politics. Our focus should be to guide people and preach the religion of Islam in line with the Islamic principles."

Ishola, on his part, explained that the programme was organised in order to ensure unity and cooperation among Muslims in Yorubaland before, during and after the general elections.

2027: We won’t endorse any politician, political party – Yoruba Imams, Alfas