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US Missionary Alex Barbir Expelled from Nigeria Over Speech Fueling Insecurity

Published

6 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

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“Our Boxers Are Good, We Will Surely Do Well” — Capt. Kashim Backs Nigerian Fighters, Praises NBF President in Nairobi

Published

39 minutes ago

October 18, 2026

PlateauReports

WhatsApp Image 2026 10 18 at 3.12.21 PM.jpeg

Despite challenging results at the ongoing African Boxing Elite Championships 2026, Nigeria’s Head of Delegation, Capt. Rasulun Kashim, has expressed confidence in the country’s boxing prospects, insisting that sustained support and international exposure will produce stronger performances.

The Nigeria Boxing Federation board member made the declaration during an exclusive interview with Sports247 in Nairobi, where he praised the federation’s leadership for supporting the Nigerian contingent.

Kashim particularly commended the NBF president for the commitment demonstrated towards the team’s participation in the continental championship.

“I must commend our federation president. With the kind of support we are getting, I think we will surely do well,” he stated.

According to him, Nigeria arrived at the competition with strong belief in the abilities of its boxers and determination to compete favourably against other African nations.

Although some results have not gone Nigeria’s way, Kashim maintained that the athletes have demonstrated encouraging qualities.

“The boxers are good, and they are doing very well,” he said.

The delegation leader explained that developing successful athletes requires patience, regular competition and continuous investment in training and exposure.

He stressed that international tournaments offer important opportunities for Nigerian fighters to assess their abilities against opponents with different technical approaches.

Kashim also highlighted the importance of teamwork among federation officials, coaches, athletes and other stakeholders.

He believes that consistent institutional support will help Nigerian boxing overcome challenges and build a stronger foundation for future competitions.

The delegation leader’s comments come after Nigerian boxers Aishat Gbadamosi and Abdulramon Abdulwahab experienced disappointing decisions against opponents from Algeria and Egypt.

Rather than allowing those setbacks to define Nigeria’s participation, Kashim expressed confidence in the athletes’ abilities and future development.

He maintained that the federation’s support remains vital to helping the country’s boxing talents realise their potential.

For Kashim, the Nairobi championship is not simply about immediate victories but also about building experience, strengthening confidence and preparing Nigerian boxers for future success.

Business

Finance Ministry faults claim that FG’s interest payments hit 124% of revenue

Published

1 hour ago

October 18, 2026

PlateauReports

The Federal Ministry of Finance has disputed a claim that the Federal Government’s interest payments reached 124 per cent of its revenue in the first half of 2026, describing the figure as misleading.

The ministry said recent analysis and public commentary, which cited the World Bank’s October 2026 Nigeria Development Update, compared mismatched interest figures against an incomplete revenue base.

In a statement released on Sunday, the ministry said the 124 per cent interest calculation includes the debt serviced by the federal government on behalf of other tiers of government, including external loans to states.

“Measuring this against federal revenue alone overstates the ratio, which is only meaningful when debt and revenue cover the same level of government,” the statement said.

The ministry also asserted that the reported revenue is incomplete as it excludes the independent revenue earned by government agencies and enterprises but not yet remitted to the treasury.

“In addition, more revenue is typically earned in the second half of the year than in the first due to the statutory timing of certain payments. This is why the ratio stood at 156% in H1 2025, while the full-year 2025 debt service-to-revenue ratio was below 60%, down from 97% before the reforms,” it stated.

The ministry explained that federal revenue rose by 72 per cent from ₦3.6 trillion in the first half of 2025 to ₦6.2 trillion in the corresponding period of 2026.

Interest payments, however, rose by 38 per cent, from ₦5.6 trillion to ₦7.7 trillion over the same period, according to the ministry.

“The interest-to-revenue ratio fell by 32 percentage points in a single year, from 156% to 124%, and the gap between interest and revenue narrowed from ₦2.0 trillion to ₦1.5 trillion,” the ministry said.

The ministry attributed the changes to the current administration’s economic reforms, arguing that revenue is growing faster than interest costs.

It argued that a six-month figure alone should not be used to evaluate the sustainability of government debt.

“Debt sustainability is assessed on a full-year basis, not over six months,” the statement said.

READ ALSO: Federal government approves upgrade of four South-South ports

Citing the World Bank report, the ministry said Nigeria’s full-year 2026 debt service, covering both interest and principal, is projected at 46 per cent of revenue, and that this forecast is the appropriate benchmark for assessing the country’s debt-service burden.

The ministry noted that all borrowing falls within the limits approved by the National Assembly under the 2026 Appropriation Act and the approved borrowing plan, in compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 and the Debt Management Office (Establishment) Act 2003.

“We encourage analysts and commentators to apply the same rigour they seek to hold the government to: compare like with like, read figures in context, and seek clarification where the data is unclear,” the ministry said.