The federal government has expelled American missionary Alex Barber over statements authorities say could inflame tensions and deepen divisions, particularly in Plateau State.
The decision comes amid rising controversy over Barber’s activities in Nigeria’s north-central region, where officials allege his comments were capable of inciting unrest.
Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Community Engagement (North Central), confirmed the development during an appearance on TVC.
“Yeah, so we’ve realized what Alex Barber has done, so I must inform you that Alex Barber is no longer in Nigeria,” she 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 violence in Jos, alleging that two Muslims were killed shortly after one of his speeches.
“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.”
Barber, a former American football player turned missionary, had gained recognition for humanitarian efforts in conflict-affected communities in Benue and Plateau states.
Through his initiative, Building Zion, and in collaboration with a US-based NGO, he helped rebuild homes and support displaced residents. In Yelwata, Benue State, he reportedly oversaw the reconstruction of dozens of houses destroyed during attacks.
“So far, we have rebuilt 35 housing units… The joy among the people is overwhelming,” Barber said during a January 2026 project event.
Community leaders praised the intervention. Julius Joor, the traditional ruler of Yelwata, 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, “You have done what both the federal and state governments have failed to do.”
Despite his humanitarian work, Barber’s public statements drew increasing criticism. In interviews and online posts, he described violence in the Middle Belt as organized and systematic.
“This is not just some random criminality… This is a war being waged on people,” he said in an interview with News Central Television, while also questioning official narratives: “If there’s no war in Nigeria, what is happening?”
Critics argue that such characterizations oversimplify a complex crisis involving banditry, farmer-herder clashes, and insurgency and risk heightening tensions by framing the conflict along religious lines.
Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad and cleric Ahmad Gumi both raised concerns over his rhetoric, with calls for investigation into his activities.
In a petition to security agencies in Plateau State, Aliyu Naziru alleged Barber was present at a violence scene under unclear circumstances, though there is no confirmed evidence linking him to any criminal act.
Supporters, however, insist Barber was drawing attention to neglected crises. Religious figures, including COCIN priest Ezekiel Dachomo, defended his efforts and warned against attempts to silence him.
Responding to criticism, Barber said, “They haven’t talked about me rebuilding villages… but when I speak out… then all of a sudden [they react].”
He also denied any link between his comments and violence, stating in a Facebook post, “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.”
Analysts note that while freedom of expression is protected, Nigerian laws restrict speech deemed capable of inciting violence or public disorder, especially in sensitive regions. Authorities also retain the power to deport foreigners whose actions are considered against national interest.
Essiet said the government’s action was aimed at preventing further division, drawing parallels with past global conflicts.
“That’s what the government has done, because we don’t want individuals to come and create division,” she said.
“I’ve been to Rwanda a couple of times… As simple as this whole narrative of what Alex Barber was saying is what some foreign actors did in Rwanda… and that led to a massive genocide.
“Based on our experience, we don’t want Nigeria to follow that path… We must not allow people who do not understand the history of our crises to divide us.”
