The federal government has confirmed the expulsion of an American missionary, Alex Barbir, over allegations of making inflammatory statements deemed capable of inciting violence and deepening divisions across communities.
Senior Special Assistant to the president on Community Engagement (North Central), Abiodun Essiet, disclosed this in an interview, stating that Barber was removed from the country due to activities considered harmful to national unity.
According to Essiet, the missionary’s remarks, particularly in Jos, Plateau State were provocative and were reportedly linked to rising tensions, with claims that violence followed shortly after his statements.
“He has been sent out of the country because of the work he’s doing, which is creating division,” she said.
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Essiet further alleged that some of Barber’s comments echoed dangerous narratives comparable to those that contributed to the Rwandan Genocide, warning that Nigeria must avoid a similar trajectory.
She emphasized that the government’s decision was aimed at curbing divisive rhetoric and safeguarding national stability, particularly in volatile areas such as Plateau State.
Highlighting the complexity of the region’s security challenges, Essiet called for unity, honest dialogue, and strengthened security responses to address the root causes of violence.
The development comes amid growing international scrutiny of insecurity in Nigeria, where recurring attacks have raised concerns about their broader implications, including potential impacts on the country’s foreign relations.
