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Protect yourselves from killers – Alex Barbir tells Nigerians
In the absence of strong will by the government to protect citizens from terrorists and murderers causing mayhem in different parts of the country, a US-based humanitarian worker, Alex Barbir, has insisted that Nigerians should take responsibility for their safety by protecting themselves and their communities.
Babir however denied allegations that his activities and public statements have fueled violence in Nigeria, insisting that his advocacy is focused on protecting vulnerable communities and supporting reconstruction efforts in conflict-affected areas.
Barbir made the remarks during an interview on TVC News, where he addressed concerns about his influence in Plateau and Benue states, as well as broader accusations surrounding his presence in the country.
Responding to claims that his rhetoric may have incited violence, Barbir firmly rejected the accusations, maintaining that he has never encouraged attacks or reprisals.
“I have never once called for anybody to be murdered. I have called for people to be protected,” he said.
He argued that his consistent message has been for authorities to improve security while allowing individuals to defend themselves when under threat.
Barbir also dismissed reports connecting his visit to Plateau State with a reprisal attack that left two people dead, stating that the killings occurred before he arrived.
“They had killed two people before I arrived. So it’s a false narrative to say my presence caused that,” he said.
He described the violence in the region as longstanding, noting that cycles of attack and retaliation predate his involvement.
While acknowledging criticism of his stance, Barbir defended calls for self-protection in areas facing persistent insecurity, arguing that such a position is both reasonable and necessary.
“If the government is failing to protect you, you should protect yourselves from people who would take your life. There’s nothing wrong with that,” he stated.
He stressed that violence in Nigeria affects both Christians and Muslims, and said his advocacy does not exclude any group.
Barbir also rejected allegations that he is advancing foreign interests or political agendas, challenging critics to provide evidence. He said his funding comes from charitable donations, churches, and organisations that support humanitarian causes.
Despite the controversy, Barbir confirmed plans to return to Nigeria to continue reconstruction projects, particularly in Benue and Plateau states, maintaining that his mission is rooted in peacebuilding and support for communities affected by violence.
Born on August 17, 1997, in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Barbir grew up in Cumming alongside his brother, Josh, a physician and US Army Reserve officer. His upbringing, he noted, was shaped by discipline and sports, a background he says informs his humanitarian approach.
His work in Nigeria is closely linked to two organisations: his initiative, Building Zion, and Equipping the Persecuted (ETP), a US-based NGO led by filmmaker Judd Saul. Through these platforms, Barbir has participated in rebuilding communities affected by violence, particularly in Benue State, including the construction of homes, schools, and places of worship.
Isaac Fayose, brother of former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has announced the death of his wife after a prolonged battle with cancer.
The social media commentator shared the sad news on Instagram with a candle image, alongside a farewell message.
“Rest in peace my darling wife, odabo oyinbo mi”, he wrote.
Before her death, Fayose had opened up about the severity of her illness.
He said he travelled to Australia to spend time with his family, but was met with a painful reality as his wife had become extremely weak due to cancer.
He explained that she was no longer able to speak or carry out basic daily activities. According to him, the woman who once welcomed him at the airport could no longer do so, and he had to make his way from the airport by Uber.
He also described how roles had reversed in the home, saying he now had to take care of her, including cooking for her, as she could no longer do so herself. He added that he spent time beside her, singing her favourite songs, while she responded only by holding his hand.
In his emotional reflection, he also spoke about life and wealth, stressing that money and material possessions could not stop illness or death, and questioned the actions of those who use public office to take what belongs to others.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that all 22 registered political parties in Nigeria have submitted their membership registers in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the submissions were completed on May 8, two days ahead of the extended deadline set by the Commission.
According to INEC, the extension became necessary after political parties raised concerns over the original timeline during a meeting held on March 24.
The Commission had initially fixed April 21 as the deadline for the submission of membership registers in the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election.
However, following consultations with political parties, INEC announced on March 27, 2026, that the deadline would be moved to May 10, 2026.
The adjustment, INEC said, was made to align with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the actual dates chosen by political parties for their primaries.
Under the revised timetable, political parties are permitted to conduct their primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026. The law also requires each party to submit its membership register to the Commission not later than 21 days before the date of its primary election.
INEC stated that all registered political parties complied with the requirement within the extended timeframe.
“The Commission is pleased to note that all registered parties submitted their registers as of 8th May 2026, two days before the extended deadline,” the statement said.
The electoral body added that the submitted registers would now undergo the necessary verification processes in accordance with the law.
INEC reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair, credible and inclusive elections in Nigeria.
According to the Commission’s timetable for the 2027 General Election, elections into the offices of President and members of the National Assembly are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027.
Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the deputy commander of the Islamic State terrorist group, ISIS, has been killed in Nigeria.
US President Donald Trump said al-Minuki was killed in a “complex mission” carried out by Nigerian and American troops.
The US president shared updates on the operation in a social media post late Saturday.
“Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,” Trump wrote.
“Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing.
“He will no longer terrorise the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans.
“With his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished.”
Trump also acknowledged and thanked the Nigerian government for its “partnership on this operation”.
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