In light of recent reports that American soldiers have been deployed into Nigeria to bolster counterterrorism operations, an American activist dedicated to rebuilding homes in Yelewata, Benue State—destroyed by suspected Fulani bandits—has called on the government to prioritise the safety of lives and livelihoods.
Speaking to the press at the commissioning of 35 units of houses built by his Non-Government Organisation, Building Zion, Alex Barbir, who cautioned that the state is currently under American surveillance, said, “If something happens in Yelewata after this building, the government is liable; the blood is on your hands.”
According to Open Doors, some 200 people were killed, and five were injured in Yelewata village on 8, 13, and 14 June 2025, respectively, in coordinated attacks by suspected Fulani militants.
The missionary philanthropist stressed that “The US government knows what is being done here. They know the attack, they know that I am here, they know that we have rebuilt Yelewata and they support me.”
He referred to Congressman Riley Moore, who described his trip to Nigeria as heartbreaking after meeting victims of violent attacks in the country’s Middle Belt region, saying, “he supports what we are doing; he knows. He has the geographical coordinates of Yelewata and we are all monitoring what is happening here.”
Congressman Moore has been monitoring new developments and pushing the Nigerian government to stop the ongoing persecution against Christians in Nigeria.
Pleading with the government to fulfil its obligation to the people, Barbir insisted, “Please, protect your people. Do not let anything happen to them in Yelewata again.”
Further speaking about the humanitarian aid his organisation is offering in Nigeria, he said, “We’ve come in good faith, with good hearts, to help the people, to rebuild where nobody is helping.”
The missionary maintained that “you are responsible to secure your own people and the security here now,” adding, “But we can’t see that they leave in one month or two months. I can’t come back here to that Yelewata has been burnt and killed again.
“If it happens, you are liable. It is your job to protect them. So, I challenge you; I beg you, do your job. Protect your own people.”
Commentators believe that this 28-year-old has done what the state and federal governments in Nigeria have failed to do.
Screenshot of Nigerian US-based researcher, Franc Utoo and Alex Barbir. Credit: Franc Utoo
A Nigerian US-based researcher, Franc Utoo, wrote on his Facebook page, “Alex Barbir, American from Tappa – Florida, is a remarkable young leader and a cherished friend, a man with a generous heart, at just 28, has already left a meaningful mark on humanity.”
Barbir was a standout field-goal kicker at Liberty University, a conservative, private evangelical Christian institution in Lynchburg, Virginia, United States, before becoming a humanitarian worker.
To enhance security and combat terrorism in West Africa, General Dagvin R.M. Anderson of U.S. Africa Command announced that a small team of U.S. military officers has been deployed to Nigeria.
