While Nigeria’s justice system struggles to respond to the aftermath of the Yelewata massacre in Benue State, American missionary Alex Barbir has taken decisive action to support survivors.
Through his organization, Building Zion, Barbir has fully funded and completed 35 new homes for victims, alongside boreholes, clinics, and churches, providing direct aid while state interventions remain limited.
Barbir has issued a stern warning to Nigerian authorities, stating that any future attacks on Yelewata will see the government held accountable, with the possibility that the U.S. government may also intervene.
He has refused to channel assistance through local officials due to fears of mismanagement, citing reports that over N4 billion in relief funds have gone missing.
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By ensuring that survivors return to safe, fully rebuilt homes, Barbir has highlighted the stark contrast between foreign initiative and state inaction, demonstrating how private efforts can step in where government support has lagged.
The project underscores both the urgent need for accountability in protecting vulnerable communities and the role of external actors in addressing humanitarian crises.