The Digest:
The Nigerian government has expelled American missionary Alex Barber, accusing him of making inflammatory statements capable of inciting violence and deepening divisions, particularly in Plateau State. Abiodun Essiet, senior special assistant to President Tinubu on Community Engagement, said Barber was "removed and sent out of the country because of the work he's doing, which is creating division." She alleged that two Muslims were killed immediately after a speech by Barber in Jos. Barber has denied the allegations, calling them "directly lying."
Key Points:
- Barber had rebuilt homes, drilled boreholes, and helped grieving families in Benue and Plateau.
- Critics accused him of framing Nigeria's conflict primarily through a religious lens.
- Supporters argue that he highlighted a crisis that had received insufficient attention.
- The government drew parallels with the 1994 Rwandan genocide to justify expulsion.
- Barber's humanitarian work is now overshadowed by the controversy.
