Date: March 30, 2026 l Reporter: Musa Muhammad
An American missionary has strongly criticized the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the recent wave of killings in Plateau State, accusing the Nigerian government of failing to take meaningful action to stop the violence.
The missionary, identified as Alex Barbir, expressed outrage over the continued attacks on communities, particularly following the deadly Palm Sunday massacre in Jos, where dozens of people were reportedly killed by gunmen. He stated that the government was “doing absolutely nothing” to address the crisis, raising concerns about the safety of civilians in affected areas.
Barbir alleged that armed groups, which he described as Fulani militants, were responsible for the killings across several states including Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, and Taraba. He claimed that the violence was widespread and systematic, accusing authorities of failing to confront those responsible.
The missionary further accused the Nigerian government of downplaying the severity of the attacks and attempting to dismiss reports of targeted violence. He argued that stronger and more decisive measures were needed to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further bloodshed.
His remarks come amid growing international attention on Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly in the Middle Belt region, where recurring attacks have led to significant loss of lives and displacement of residents.
However, the Nigerian government has consistently maintained that the country’s security crisis is not driven by religion alone but by a combination of terrorism, criminality, and longstanding socio-economic factors. Officials have emphasized that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of violence, rejecting claims of targeted religious persecution.
The criticism from the U.S. missionary adds to increasing pressure on the Tinubu administration from international voices and stakeholders calling for urgent action to address insecurity and protect civilians.
As the situation continues to unfold, observers say the government’s response in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether confidence can be restored and further escalation avoided.