The Federal Government has deported a United States missionary, Alex Barber, over what it described as inflammatory comments capable of fuelling tensions in Nigeria’s conflict-prone North-Central region, particularly Plateau State.
The decision, confirmed on Tuesday, followed weeks of controversy surrounding the missionary’s public statements on the security situation in the Middle Belt, which authorities said risked deepening existing fault lines.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), Abiodun Essiet, disclosed during a television interview that Barber had been expelled from the country.
“We have reviewed his activities and statements, and he is no longer in Nigeria. He has been sent out because of actions capable of creating division,” she said.
Essiet alleged that Barber’s comments had immediate consequences, linking a recent incident in Jos to one of his speeches.
“Shortly after he spoke in Jos, two Muslims were reportedly killed. His repeated provocative remarks necessitated his removal,” she added.
Barber, a former American football player turned missionary, had gained visibility for his humanitarian work in parts of Benue State and Plateau State through his initiative, Building Zion.
He was involved in rebuilding homes and supporting displaced persons in communities affected by violent attacks.
In Yelwata, Benue State, the missionary reportedly led efforts that saw dozens of destroyed houses reconstructed, earning commendation from some community leaders and residents.
However, his growing global profile was matched by rising criticism at home, particularly over his characterisation of violence in the Middle Belt. In several interviews, Barber described the crisis as coordinated and systematic, remarks critics argued oversimplified a complex mix of banditry, farmer-herder clashes and insurgency.
Some stakeholders accused him of framing the conflict along religious lines, warning that such narratives could aggravate tensions in already volatile communities.
Among those who raised concerns were former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad and Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi, both of whom called for scrutiny of his activities.
In a separate petition to security agencies, a concerned citizen also questioned Barber’s presence at a scene of violence, although no official evidence has linked him to any criminal act.
Despite the backlash, some religious leaders and residents defended the missionary, insisting his interventions brought relief to neglected communities and drew global attention to their plight.
Reacting to the controversy, Barber dismissed allegations that his remarks incited violence, accusing government officials of misrepresenting his position.
“They ignore the rebuilding work we’ve done, but react when I speak out,” he said, maintaining that victims across religious divides had suffered attacks.
Analysts note that while freedom of expression is protected, Nigerian authorities retain powers to sanction or deport foreigners whose actions are deemed contrary to national interest or capable of inciting unrest.
Essiet said the government’s action was preventive, warning against the dangers of unchecked narratives in fragile environments.
“We cannot allow individuals to sow division. History has shown how such narratives can escalate conflicts,” she said, drawing parallels with past global crises.
The deportation underscores the government’s tightening stance on speech and foreign involvement in Nigeria’s sensitive security landscape, as efforts continue to curb violence in the Middle Belt.