Date: April 3, 2026 l Reporter: Musa Amed
A United States missionary has issued a stark warning over the worsening security crisis in Nigeria, declaring that the country is effectively experiencing a “war at home” following a series of deadly attacks in Plateau State and other regions.
The missionary, identified as Alex Barbir, made the remarks while reacting to recent killings in Jos and surrounding communities, where dozens of people have reportedly been killed in renewed waves of violence.
Speaking during an interview, Barbir described the scale and frequency of the attacks as evidence of a deeply rooted and coordinated pattern of violence, rather than isolated incidents. He stressed that both Christians and Muslims have been victims, pointing to the widespread nature of the insecurity affecting multiple regions across the country.
According to him, the situation in Nigeria mirrors conditions of active conflict, with persistent killings, destruction of communities, and the presence of armed groups operating across several states. He recounted witnessing violent incidents firsthand since arriving in the country, including attacks near military checkpoints and in rural communities.
Barbir also highlighted the recent violence in Jos, noting that some of the killings occurred in close proximity to where he was staying, underscoring the immediacy and severity of the crisis. He described scenes of panic and devastation, with communities left mourning after sudden and coordinated assaults.
The missionary further argued that the attacks appear to be highly organized, involving large numbers of armed individuals striking multiple locations simultaneously. He referenced incidents in areas such as Barkin Ladi and Bokkos, where coordinated raids have previously resulted in significant casualties and destruction of villages.
In his remarks, Barbir questioned official narratives that frame the violence as criminal activity, insisting that the scale of operations suggests something more systemic. He emphasized that the presence of security forces across the country, alongside ongoing killings, raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of current responses.
He also cited experiences from other states, including Kwara, Niger, Zamfara, and Sokoto, where similar attacks have been reported, affecting both Muslim and Christian communities. According to him, the recurring pattern of violence points to a broader national security challenge that requires urgent and coordinated intervention.
The comments come amid escalating insecurity in Plateau State, where recent attacks have triggered national outrage and renewed calls for decisive government action to protect lives and restore stability.
As concerns continue to grow, the missionary’s remarks have added to mounting pressure on Nigerian authorities to address the root causes of violence and strengthen measures aimed at safeguarding communities across the country.