Alex Barbir, an American Christian missionary and founder of the organization Building Zion, has publicly criticized President Bola Tinubu following a deadly attack in the Anguwan Rukuba community of Jos North, Plateau State.
The incident, which occurred on the night of Sunday, March 29, 2026, reportedly left ten people dead after heavily armed assailants on motorcycles stormed the area, opening fire and setting several homes ablaze.
In a video circulating on social media, Barbir accused the presidency of failing to take decisive action to curb the persistent insecurity that continues to claim lives in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
In immediate response to the violence, the Plateau State Government has declared a state of emergency within the Jos North Local Government Area. This move aims to grant security forces expanded powers to restore order and prevent further retaliatory attacks in a region long troubled by ethno-religious tensions.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who has frequently appealed for increased federal support, emphasized that the state of emergency is a necessary measure to stabilize the community while authorities work to track down the perpetrators.
Alex Barbir, who has been active in providing humanitarian aid and rebuilding homes in ravaged villages across Nigeria, has become a vocal advocate for the protection of Christian communities in the region.
His recent comments echo a growing sentiment of frustration among local residents and international observers regarding the frequency of night raids and the perceived delay in government intervention.
As the state of emergency takes effect, residents in Jos North face heightened security presence and restricted movement, while the federal government has yet to issue a formal response to the specific allegations raised by the missionary.
Christians massacred on Palm Sunday in the city of Jos. pic.twitter.com/6Ssksz1ULi
— Barbir (@Alex_Barbir) March 29, 2026
