Nigeria Expels Alex Barber

The Nigeria has expelled American missionary Alex Barber, citing concerns that his public statements could inflame tensions and worsen divisions, particularly in Nigeria — Plateau State. Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu, confirmed the deportation, linking Barber's speech in Jos to subsequent violence. Barber, a former American football player, had gained attention for his humanitarian work through Building Zion and Equipping the Persecuted in conflict-affected communities in Nigeria — Benue State and Nigeria — Plateau State, rebuilding homes and supporting displaced persons. However, his critical remarks on the nature of violence in Nigeria's Middle Belt drew scrutiny, with critics accusing him of oversimplifying the complex situation and framing it along religious lines. Barber denies these allegations, stating his focus was on neglected crises and that victims across religious groups have suffered attacks. The Nigeria emphasized that the action was taken to prevent further division, drawing parallels with the 1994 Rwandan genocide.