US Missionary Blames Fulani Militias for Christian Killings in Nigeria, Accuses Government of Cover-Up

An American Christian missionary, Alex Barbir, has accused Fulani militias of orchestrating widespread attacks on Christians in several Nigerian states, claiming that the Federal Government is failing to act and suppressing reports of the violence.

In an interview with US-based CBN News, Barbir stated, "The Fulani terrorists are massacring Christians across Nigeria, they are taking over land, and the Nigerian government is doing nothing about it."

Barbir dismissed suggestions that Boko Haram is primarily responsible for violence in regions such as Benue, Plateau, Taraba, and Kaduna, insisting that armed Fulani groups are the real perpetrators.

He further criticized the government's inaction, alleging that authorities shield attackers and downplay reports of Christian persecution. "We need to deal with them. The government is basically covering them up, paying billions to lobby, saying there is no Christian genocide," he said. He also urged Christians to speak up, warning against remaining silent in the face of violence.

Barbir has previously accused the Benue State Government of obstructing his efforts to rebuild Yelwata village, which was attacked by bandits. While he proposed a market for the community costing ₦60 million, the government allegedly offered a ₦300 million blueprint, which Barbir claims is an exploitation of local suffering.

Meanwhile, US lawmakers are responding to rising sectarian violence in Nigeria. The Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, introduced by Representatives Riley Moore and Chris Smith, proposes sanctions against Fulani militias and officials, including former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, for human rights abuses. Moore emphasized the US commitment to supporting persecuted Christians globally and building on previous measures, including Nigeria's designation as a Country of Particular Concern.

The legislation also aligns with broader US-Nigeria security cooperation. The United States plans to deploy 200 troops to Nigeria for training and technical support, stressing they will not engage in direct combat. Observers view these actions as a sign that Washington is tying future cooperation to accountability for religiously motivated violence.