The Nigerian government has deported American missionary Alex Barber, citing concerns that his statements could incite violence and deepen divisions in the Middle Belt region.
The move was confirmed by Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Community Engagement (North Central), during a Monday interview with TVC News. Essiet stated that Barber’s activities raised serious concerns about public safety and national unity.
“Alex Barber is no longer in Nigeria. He was sent out because his actions were creating division,” Essiet said, adding that violence erupted shortly after a speech Barber delivered in Jos, Plateau State, during which two individuals were reportedly killed.
Born in Lawrenceville, Georgia, in 1997, Barber first gained recognition as a football kicker before shifting to faith-based and humanitarian work. In Nigeria, he operated through initiatives including Building Zion and Equipping the Persecuted, helping rebuild communities affected by violence in Benue and Plateau states. In Yelwata, he reportedly reconstructed dozens of homes and local infrastructure, earning praise from residents and traditional leaders.
Despite his humanitarian contributions, Barber’s public comments on Middle Belt violence drew scrutiny. He described the attacks as systematic and questioned the government’s handling of security and humanitarian efforts. His statements prompted criticism from public figures, including former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad and Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi, who warned his rhetoric could inflame religious and ethnic tensions.
Barber denied any wrongdoing, insisting in a social media post that he had not interacted with Essiet and rejected the claim that his remarks contributed to violence.
Under Nigerian law, including the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Cybercrime Act, authorities can act against speech deemed capable of provoking public disorder. Essiet said the government acted to prevent narratives that could fuel conflict, drawing parallels to the dangers of divisive rhetoric seen in other countries.
“Individuals who do not understand the history of our crises should not be allowed to divide us,” she added, stressing the importance of safeguarding national unity.
