US missionary condemns Plateau killings, decries global silence

A United States-based missionary has voiced strong condemnation over recent killings in Nigeria's Plateau State, alleging that terrorists "hunted and slaughtered" nine relatives of a local church leader. Alex Barbir, founder of Building Zion, posted on X, formerly Twitter, that the victims were "hunted and slaughtered by Fulani terrorists."

“

This is not fiction. A Nigerian pastor, a brother of mine, has nine members of his family hunted and slaughtered by Fulani terrorists.

Barbir criticized the international community and the global Church for their "silence" on the violence impacting Christian communities in Nigeria. "These are the realities our Nigerian brothers and sisters are facing alone. The church is absent. International community is absent. They are being hunted and slaughtered like animals and we in the West are simply watching," he wrote, expressing deep frustration.

“

These are the realities our Nigerian brothers and sisters are facing alone. The church is absent. International community is absent. They are being hunted and slaughtered like animals and we in the West are simply watching.

He added, "I am tired. I am sick of it. I am beyond burned. Who will be the one to stand at such a time as this? I refuse to be silent, I refuse to watch." Barbir stated that his organization, Building Zion, is actively involved in rebuilding communities devastated by terrorist attacks, including those in the community of Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, the regional leader of the Church of Christ in Nations.

“

I am tired. I am sick of it. I am beyond burned. Who will be the one to stand at such a time as this? I refuse to be silent, I refuse to watch.

Local reports indicate that nine members of a single family, including a two-month-old infant, were killed in an attack on the Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom Local Government Area. The village head reportedly sustained critical injuries. Rev. Dachomo had previously alleged that suspected terrorists sent him and his church a threatening letter days after the attack.

“

At Building Zion, we are rebuilding communities ravished by terrorists, restoring hope and life. In fact, we have already rebuilt communities in Reverend Ezekiel’s community.