News

US Missionary Alex Barbir Expelled from Nigeria Over Speech Fueling Insecurity

Published

7 months ago

April 7, 2026

The Federal Government has expelled American missionary Alex Barbir, following allegations that his public statements were capable of worsening insecurity in parts of the country.

Authorities said his remarks were divisive and could trigger violence, especially in Plateau State.

The decision comes amid rising concerns over tensions in the North-central region. Government officials believe his activities and comments were beginning to affect national unity.

Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement (North Central), confirmed the development during an interview on Monday. She said the government acted after reviewing the impact of his engagements.

“Yeah, so we’ve realised what Alex Barber has done, so I must inform you that Alex Barber is no longer in Nigeria,” she said.

She added that the missionary was removed because his actions were seen as harmful. “He has been, we can say, removed and sent out of the country because of the work he’s doing, which is creating division.”

According to her, some of his statements had immediate consequences. She linked a speech he delivered in Jos to an incident that followed shortly after.

“Immediately after he made his speech in Jos, a lot of people didn’t know that two people, two Muslims, were killed immediately after his speech,” she said.

“Because of the impact of this provocative speech, which he has been making, he was sent out of the country and is no longer in Nigeria.”

Before his exit, Barbir had built a strong presence in parts of Benue and Plateau states. He was known for humanitarian efforts in communities affected by violence. Through his initiative, he supported rebuilding projects, provided basic infrastructure, and participated in relief activities.

In Yelwata, a community hit by attacks in 2025, his team reportedly rebuilt several homes and assisted displaced residents. Some community leaders praised his intervention, saying it brought relief where government response was slow.

Despite this, his growing influence also attracted criticism. Observers accused him of presenting Nigeria’s security challenges in a way that could deepen religious and ethnic divisions. His repeated description of the crisis as a “war” raised concern among officials and analysts.

In several interviews, Barbir questioned official narratives and openly criticised the handling of insecurity. He also expressed distrust in government institutions, particularly in managing humanitarian support.

These comments drew reactions from public figures and religious leaders. Some called for investigations into his activities, warning that his words could threaten public peace. Others argued that foreign actors should not interfere in sensitive national issues.

There were also claims circulating online about his presence in areas shortly after the attacks. However, no evidence has linked him to any criminal activity.

Supporters of the missionary defended his work. They insisted he was only drawing global attention to the suffering in affected communities. Some religious leaders backed him, describing his actions as humanitarian and faith-driven.

Barbir himself responded to critics in a video, saying his work speaks for him. “They haven’t talked about me rebuilding villages… but when I speak out… then all of a sudden [they react],” he said.

He also rejected claims that his statements caused violence. In a post on his social media page, he said: “Let it be known that if Abiodun Essiet… made this statement, they are directly lying to the Nigerian and international community. I’ve never heard of this person, nor had a conversation with them.”

Legal experts say Nigeria has the authority to deport foreign nationals whose actions are considered a threat to public order. While freedom of speech exists, it does not extend to incitement or statements capable of triggering unrest.

Mrs Essiet said the government’s action was taken to prevent further tension. She warned against narratives that could divide communities, drawing parallels with past global tragedies.

“That’s what the government has done, because we don’t want individuals to come and create division,” she said.

She added that Nigeria must avoid any situation that could escalate into a wider conflict.

Related Topics:Alex Barbir US Missionary US Missionary Alex Barbir Expelled from Nigeria Over Speech Fueling Insecurity

Up Next

Plateau United Crush Ikorodu City 4–1, Boost Survival Push with Statement Home Win

Don't Miss

APC National Chairman Visits Angwan Rukuba Attack Victims, Condemns Killings

Click to comment

News

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

Published

36 minutes 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.

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

News

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

Published

40 minutes 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