…as Tinubu visits Jos, promises justice for victims
A United States national, Alex Barbir, has reportedly left Nigeria following mounting public pressure and calls for investigation over inciting comments linked to recent violence in Plateau State and other locations in the Middle Belt.
The development comes as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday visited Plateau State to console victims of the March 29 gunmen attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos, which left at least 27 people, Muslims and Christians, dead and several others injured.
There are strong indications that Barbir, described by some as an alleged United States undercover operative, departed the country on Thursday after Nigerians across religious, ethnic, and political lines demanded that the Federal Government and security agencies investigate and deport him.
They cited concerns that his presence at conflict sites and his online comments were exacerbating tensions in an already fragile security environment.
“Alex Barbir came to Jos, ‘miraculously’ arrived at a crime scene before police who were stationed just 20 meters away, and stirred anger among our youths who later took up arms against one another. He is now comfortably leaving the country while our families bury and mourn their… pic.twitter.com/pNy4yrA5m1
— Aminu Crypto Labs (@AminuCryptoLabs) April 2, 2026
Several prominent figures, including former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad, Islamic scholar Ahmad Gumi, and concerned citizen and public analyst, Zara Oyinye, publicly called on the authorities to take swift and lawful steps to investigate, apprehend where necessary, and ensure accountability to safeguard peace, unity, and public order.
Some also urged the Federal Government to deport him, warning that his continued stay could trigger further unrest.
@Alex_Barbir you are despicable and dangerous to mankind! pic.twitter.com/6roTekdl7U
— Pastor Okezie J. Atañi (@Onsogbu) April 2, 2026
A check by Muslim News Nigeria on Thursday, April 2, showed the controversial figure at an airport with luggage, suggesting he was leaving the country.
Barbir, who had at times allegedly presented himself as a missionary or a United States security agent, later confirmed his departure in a post on X.
In the post, he appeared to mock critics, writing that now that he had left, Nigeria should become peaceful, without killings, kidnappings, or attacks.
Bashir and Gumi! Now that I’ve left I’m expecting to see a peaceful Nigeria! No killing, kidnapping, burning, IED, ambushes… Since ISWAP, Fulani, and Boko are your brothers, tell them to take a masjid break.
— Barbir (@Alex_Barbir) April 2, 2026
Responding, Bashir Ahmad disputed the narrative that Barbir left voluntarily, stating that he was ordered by authorities to leave immediately after allegedly denying it earlier.
He further accused Barbir of coming to Nigeria with a mission to incite division, adding that such efforts had failed and describing his exit as good riddance. 
While some social media users suggested Barbir’s remarks could be sarcastic, Ahmad maintained that the departure was confirmed and not a matter of interpretation.
Reactions on social media have been mixed, although many users praised those who raised concerns about Barbir’s inflammatory remarks, particularly those directed at President Tinubu and Islam, which could incite tensions between Muslims and Christians.
One user noted that calling him out was the right step and expressed hope that his supporters would now understand his alleged motives.
[LIVE] President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visits Jos, the Plateau State capital, following the deadly attack that claimed 28 lives and left 22 injured.
The visit comes as the state slowly regains calm after the tensions that gripped the city.https://t.co/6yeeB2cSnK
— Channels Television (@channelstv) April 2, 2026
As of press time on Thursday evening, Nigerian authorities have not issued an official statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding Banbir’s exit or whether any formal investigation has been concluded.
But Muslim News gathered that President Tinubu met families affected by the Angwan Rukuba violence, including a grieving mother whose emotional moment holding the body of her slain son, Ayuba, in a viral video generated widespread reactions across Nigeria.
Addressing the woman and other victims, the President acknowledged their pain and assured them that the government would do everything possible to support them.
He said the experience would not repeat itself, adding that he takes responsibility and understands the depth of their grief after seeing the viral video.
Tinubu added that while the government would make efforts to assist the victims, true healing can only come from God, noting that no amount of money can compensate for their loss.
The President emphasized the need for justice and a return to a peaceful society, stating that the best solution is for justice to be done and for Nigeria to return to the kind of society many citizens once knew.
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