The Nigerian government has expelled controversial American missionary Alex Barbir, accusing him of making inflammatory statements capable of inciting violence and deepening divisions, particularly in Plateau State.
Government officials said Barbir’s remarks, including a speech delivered in Jos, had immediate consequences and heightened tensions in the region.
“He has been, we can say, removed and sent out of the country because of the work he’s doing, which is creating division,” an official said.
The official further alleged a direct link between his comments and violence that followed. “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.”
Barbir, a former American college football player turned missionary, gained prominence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt through humanitarian efforts. Through his initiative, Building Zion, and in partnership with a US-based NGO, he led reconstruction projects in communities affected by violence, particularly in Benue State.
Alex Barbir Academic and Football career
played as a kicker for during the 2020 college football season, where he delivered a standout campaign. A redshirt senior, he started all 11 games and earned All-State second team honours as well as postseason All-Independent recognition. Barbir led his team with 89 points, ranking among the top scorers nationally, and converted 13 of 20 field goal attempts. He also maintained strong accuracy on extra points, making 50 of 52 attempts.
His season featured clutch performances, including two game-winning field goals. Notably, he kicked a decisive 51-yard field goal to secure a historic victory over Virginia Tech and later delivered a 44-yard overtime kick in the Cure Bowl against Coastal Carolina. Beyond field goals, he contributed significantly in kickoffs, averaging nearly 59 yards.
Before transferring, Barbir played at Penn State and developed as a highly rated high school prospect in Georgia.
Speaking during a project in Yelwata, he highlighted the scope of his intervention, saying, “So far, we have rebuilt 35 housing units… The joy among the people is overwhelming.”
Some community leaders praised his efforts. Julius Joor, a traditional ruler in 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.”
However, Barbir’s growing visibility also drew criticism over the tone and content of his public statements. In an interview, he described the crisis in Nigeria’s Middle Belt as organised violence rather than isolated incidents.
“This is not just some random criminality… This is a war being waged on people,” he said.
He also questioned official narratives, asking, “If there’s no war in Nigeria, what is happening?”
Critics, including political and religious figures, accused him of oversimplifying a complex conflict and framing it along religious lines, which they said could inflame tensions. Some also raised concerns about his presence at attack sites, though no public evidence linked him to criminal activity.
Supporters, however, defended his role, arguing that he drew global attention to a neglected humanitarian crisis. They pointed to his rebuilding efforts and advocacy for affected communities as evidence of his impact.
The Nigerian government maintained that its decision to expel him was necessary to preserve public order and prevent further division. Officials warned against rhetoric that could inflame ethnic or religious tensions, drawing comparisons to the Rwandan Genocide.
“That’s what the government has done, because we don’t want individuals to come and create division,” an official said. “We must not allow people who do not understand the history of our crises to divide us.”
Barbir has denied the allegations, insisting that authorities misrepresented his statements. In a response posted online, 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 conversation with them.”
Authorities confirmed that Barbir has now left Nigeria, as debate continues over his role in the country’s fragile conflict landscape.
