Missionary Alex Barbir Warns Nigeria Is Facing a 'War' Amid Escalating Coordinated Attacks
In a stark and alarming assessment, missionary Alex Barbir has declared that Nigeria is confronting a war-like situation due to a surge in coordinated attacks across the nation, rather than isolated criminal acts. Barbir, renowned for his humanitarian efforts in Nigeria, particularly in Jos, Plateau State, delivered this grave warning during an interview with News Central, responding to recent violent incidents, including the reported Palm Sunday massacre in parts of Plateau.
Eyewitness Accounts of Violence Near Security Checkpoints
Barbir recounted harrowing experiences from his time in Nigeria, alleging that attacks have occurred perilously close to security installations. "When I first arrived in Nigeria, I witnessed people being killed right by military checkpoints," he stated, referencing a village incident where dozens were reportedly slain. This proximity to violence underscores the pervasive nature of the threat, challenging the notion of secure zones.
Addressing inquiries about his rapid response to the Plateau killings, Barbir explained that the scene's closeness enabled his swift arrival. "When people are massacred 10 minutes from your hotel, it doesn't take long to get there. I could even walk to the scene," he noted. Despite the dangers, he expressed no fear in visiting the area shortly after the incident, highlighting that community members had gathered at the time, reflecting a resilient yet traumatized populace.
Pattern of Coordinated Violence Across Regions
Barbir emphasized that his observations across various Nigerian regions reveal a disturbing pattern of organized violence. He pointed to attacks in locations such as Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and other communities, often timed during festive periods, as evidence of planned operations rather than spontaneous criminality. "The attacks are clearly planned. This is not just random criminality. When multiple villages are attacked at the same time by large groups of fighters, it suggests coordination," he asserted.
He further questioned the official characterization of these incidents, asking provocatively, "If this is not war, then what is it?" Barbir added that both Christians and Muslims have been affected by the violence in different parts of the country, indicating a broader conflict that transcends religious lines.
Impact on Humanitarian Efforts and Northern States
Barbir also shared his recent experience in Kwara State, where a reconstruction effort in a local community was halted due to mounting security concerns. He alleged that attacks have persisted in several northern states, including Niger, Sokoto, and Zamfara, involving armed groups targeting villages. This disruption of humanitarian work highlights the operational challenges faced by aid workers in conflict zones.
His comments emerge against a backdrop of ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, where authorities continue to deploy security forces to combat banditry, insurgency, and communal violence. The situation calls for urgent attention to the coordinated nature of these attacks, as warned by Barbir, suggesting a need for reassessment of Nigeria's security strategies.
