The Federal Government has confirmed the deportation of an American citizen, Alex Barbir, over allegations that he made inflammatory statements capable of triggering violence and deepening divisions, particularly in Plateau State. Recent reports also indicate he has since left Nigeria amid mounting public pressure and security concerns.
The disclosure was made by Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement for the North Central zone, during an interview with TVC on Monday. She stated that Barbir’s activities had become a serious threat to national unity.
“Yes, we are aware of what Alex Barbir has been doing, and I should let you know that Alex Barbir is not in Nigeria at the moment,” Essiet said.
“He has been deported we can say he was removed from the country because of the divisive activities he was involved in.”
Essiet alleged that Barbir’s comments had dangerous consequences, linking his speech in Jos to the unrest that followed shortly after. Reports in the last few days also show growing public calls for authorities to investigate his activities in Plateau over claims of religious incitement.
According to her, two Muslims were reportedly killed shortly after his address in Jos, a development she blamed on the effect of his alleged provocative rhetoric.
She stressed that the government acted swiftly to prevent a repeat of tragic historical events caused by divisive narratives. Drawing a comparison with the 1994 Rwanda genocide, Essiet warned against allowing outsiders unfamiliar with Nigeria’s complex conflict history to inflame tensions.
“I have visited Rwanda several times and seen the genocide memorial. What Alex Barbir is saying is almost similar to what some foreigners did there when they divided the Hutu and Tutsi people, which eventually led to genocide,” she said.
She added that Nigeria must not be allowed to follow such a path, emphasizing the need for national unity and collective responsibility in addressing insecurity.
The presidential aide called for firm military action against armed groups threatening peace across the country, insisting that the nation’s security challenges require decisive and united efforts.
