Barbir, who recently traveled to Nigeria, made these claims during an interview with the US-based news outlet CBN News, addressing concerns about insecurity in several states.
American Christian missionary Alex Barbir has accused Fulani militias of orchestrating a wave of killings across parts of Nigeria, claiming the Federal Government has failed to act and is attempting to suppress what he described as a “targeted campaign” against Christians.
Barbir, who recently visited Nigeria, made the remarks in an interview with US-based news outlet CBN News, addressing growing insecurity in several states.
“The Fulani terrorists are massacring Christians across Nigeria, they are taking over land, and the Nigerian government is doing nothing about it,” he said, dismissing claims that Boko Haram insurgents were primarily responsible for violence in regions such as Benue, Plateau, Taraba, and Kaduna. “It’s not Boko Haram—it’s the Fulani going about killing and massacring,” he added.
The missionary further accused the government of shielding perpetrators and downplaying attacks on Christian communities. “We need to deal with them. The government is not doing anything; they are basically covering them up. They are paying billions to lobby, saying there is no Christian genocide,” Barbir alleged. He criticized what he described as a culture of silence, saying, “Why are we hiding the truth? Who will speak for the people and lives of Nigerians? If it’s just me, I will do it.”
Barbir also urged Christians to speak out, insisting, “We need more people; we can’t be Christians and stay on the sidelines.”
His comments come amid earlier accusations against the Benue State Government for allegedly obstructing his efforts to rebuild Yelwata village, which was previously attacked by bandits. Barbir claimed that while he proposed a market project for the community, the government rejected it, sending a ₦300 million blueprint instead of allowing a project he insists could be completed for no more than ₦60 million. He alleged that some individuals were exploiting the suffering of Benue indigenes for personal gain.
Neither the Federal Government nor the Benue State Government had publicly responded to his latest allegations as of this report.
Barbir’s statements come as US lawmakers have introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, aimed at increasing accountability for human rights abuses in Nigeria, including potential sanctions against Fulani militias and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
“Today, I am proud to introduce the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 with Rep. Chris Smith,” US Representative Riley Moore said, emphasizing the US commitment to global religious freedom. He added, “Our legislation will build upon the momentum of President Trump designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and the recent US-Nigeria security framework agreement.”
Legal experts have praised the bipartisan initiative, noting its focus on holding specific actors accountable for religiously motivated violence. Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom, described the bill as a major step to strengthen sanctions against Fulani militias and officials like Kwankwaso, who introduced Sharia criminal law in Kano State.
The bill signals growing US attention to sectarian violence in Nigeria and links security and economic cooperation with human rights benchmarks. It is expected to undergo committee review in the US House of Representatives, with advocates urging swift consideration due to ongoing concerns over religious freedom.
In addition, the US plans to deploy 200 troops to Nigeria to provide training and technical support to the country’s armed forces. Both governments emphasized that the personnel will not participate in direct combat operations. Major General Samaila Uba, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, told AFP, “We are getting US troops to assist in training and technical support,” marking an expansion of military cooperation between Washington and Abuja in the fight against insurgent and terror groups.