Northern Muslims Call for Arrest of US Missionary Alex Barbir Amid Plateau Violence Controversy

 Northern Muslims Call for Arrest of US Missionary Alex Barbir Amid Plateau Violence Controversy Prominent voices within Nigeria’s Northern ...

 Northern Muslims Call for Arrest of US Missionary Alex Barbir Amid Plateau Violence Controversy

Prominent voices within Nigeria’s Northern Muslim community have demanded the arrest and investigation of American missionary and humanitarian worker Alex Barbir, accusing him of inciting religious tensions following deadly attacks in Plateau State.

The calls intensified after recent killings in Jos North, particularly in areas like Angwan Rukuba and Barikin Ladi, where gunmen killed several people, including Christians. Barbir, known for his frequent visits to violence-affected communities in the Middle Belt, has been vocal in highlighting what he describes as targeted attacks on Christians.

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, an influential Islamic cleric, reportedly urged the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest Barbir, while other Northern Muslim figures and groups echoed similar sentiments. Critics claim Barbir has been spreading narratives that portray Muslims as systematically persecuting Christians, citing Quranic verses in speeches at funerals and accusing the government of failing to protect Christian citizens.

In statements circulating on social media, some Muslim leaders described Barbir’s activities as “incitement to religious hatred” and questioned his frequent presence at crisis scenes. They called on the Nigerian government to investigate whether he is operating as a missionary, humanitarian, or with other motives, raising concerns about potential foreign interference in domestic religious affairs.

Barbir has pushed back against the backlash. In responses shared online, he expressed frustration that calls for his arrest come while he advocates for victims of violence. Supporters, including Christian leaders in Plateau, view him as a voice for persecuted communities and a humanitarian who has helped rebuild homes for displaced persons in states like Benue and Plateau.

Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, a Plateau-based pastor associated with Barbir’s work, issued a strong warning against any harm coming to the American, stating that attempts to silence him would not go unchallenged.

The controversy erupted against the backdrop of recurring violence in Plateau State, where Christian communities have suffered casualties from Islamic extremist’s attacks. Barbir’s critics argue that his statements oversimplify complex conflicts and risk escalating religious divides. His defenders counter that highlighting specific attacks on Christians does not equate to incitement, especially given documented patterns of violence in the region.

As of April 1, 2026, no official action has been confirmed by the DSS or federal government regarding Barbir. The case has sparked heated debates online, with many Nigerians divided along religious lines, some praising Barbir for drawing international attention to the plight of vulnerable communities, while Muslim communities see his activism as inflammatory.

This development underscores the fragile religious balance in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where security challenges continue to fuel suspicion and counter-accusations between communities. 

Family Writers Press International.