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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.
The Enugu State Government has suspended His Royal Majesty, Igwe Eze William Ezugwu, the traditional ruler of Ibagwa Ogbozalla Opi Autonomous Community, in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu state.
The state government accused Igwe Ezugwu of violating provisions of the state’s Traditional Rulers Law.
In a letter of suspension dated September 24, the Enugu State Government cited his alleged failure to constitute his cabinet, failure to establish a Town Union governing body, and persistent conduct deemed inconsistent with the laws governing traditional rulers in the state.
The suspension comes barely three weeks after Igwe William Ezugwu received NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi at his palace in Opi, Nsukka LGA, where he reportedly blessed Obi’s presidential ambition.
The Deputy Commander of Operation Rainbow, CSP (Chief Superintendent of Police) Dennis David Babale, has been killed after gunmen suspected to be Fulani Bandits ambushed personnel of the security outfit along the Bokkos-Barkin Ladi road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Operation Rainbow is a State-backed community security and intelligence-gathering outfit in Plateau State, Nigeria, originally established in 2010 under former Governor Jonah Jang and recently revamped by Governor Caleb Mutfwang to combat rural violence and beef up grassroots security.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 4:06 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 when the personnel, travelling in a Toyota Hilux vehicle, came under attack by unidentified gunmen.
Troops of Sector 4, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), responded to a distress report and moved to the location of the attack.
Sources told reporters that Babale sustained gunshot wounds during the ambush and was evacuated to the General Hospital, Barkin Ladi, for medical attention.
Following the attack, troops, working alongside personnel of other security agencies, launched offensive operations and a manhunt for the assailants within the general area.
Security forces have intensified efforts to track the attackers and prevent further attacks along the route.
Director General/CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative at the World Meteorological Organization, Prof. Charles Anosike and other Chief Executive Officers of similar agencies across the world, have concluded a one week high level dialogue on Climate Science Information for Climate Finance and the 53rd Senior Official Field Exchange (SOFE) in Beijing, China.
The event which was hosted by World Meteorological Organization (WMO), took place from September 14 to 18, 2026 and featured discussions on: strengthening the role and leadership development of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) in mobilizing climate finance; aligning scientific and technical capabilities with risk-informed, people-centred early warning systems; shifting from technical assistance to sustainable investments by expanding practical cooperation between meteorological frameworks and multilateral financing entities; and support to NMHSs leadership on strengthening strategic thinking and fostering productive partnerships.
Held back-to-back with the High-level dialogue was the 53rd Senior Official Field Exchange to Fujian Province for first-hand exposure to the implementation of Multi-hazard, Alert, Zero-gap and Universal (MAZU) platform – China’s AI-driven meteorological early warning solution in support of the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative and disaster risk reduction practices through technical exchanges, field visits and peer learning.
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