As reports of deadly attacks continue to emerge from Nigeria, one Christian leader is warning that the world’s attention has drifted from a crisis that shows no signs of stopping.
Alex Barbir, founder of Building Zion, told CBN News in a recent interview that at least 20 Christians were recently killed in another brutal assault in Plateau State, adding to what he describes as a relentless wave of violence targeting Christian communities across the country.
Speaking in a recent interview, Barbir said armed terrorists attacked a village during the night, killing residents, hospital patients and even a doctor.
“Every single day, Nigerians are being killed,” Barbir said. “Since the Palm Sunday massacre happened two and a half months ago, there have been almost 50 attacks.”
According to Barbir, the latest attack was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern that has left hundreds dead in recent months. He claims security forces were aware of threats against the community before the attack occurred, but failed to stop it.
The tragedy comes as Christians in Nigeria continue to plead for international attention and intervention. Barbir said many believers feel abandoned as attacks continue while little action is taken to protect vulnerable communities.
“America, can you help us? Who can help us?” he said, describing the cries he regularly hears from Nigerian Christians.
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Barbir, who frequently travels throughout Nigeria and works directly with persecuted believers, recounted witnessing the aftermath of previous massacres firsthand. Referring to the Palm Sunday attacks that shocked many across the Christian world, he said he arrived at the scene shortly after the violence erupted.
“When I went there, the road was filled with blood,” he said.
The interview also highlighted disturbing reports of attacks on children. Barbir described a recent assault in Kaduna State in which several victims were killed, including young children. He referenced a 5-year-old boy who suffered horrific injuries during the violence.
“This is what is happening to people, innocent people,” Barbir said. “They’ve done nothing wrong. Yet there’s nobody who is standing for them.”
One of the most contentious aspects of the ongoing debate surrounding Nigeria’s violence is how it is characterized. Some international observers have described the bloodshed as a conflict between herders and farmers competing for land and resources. Barbir strongly rejected that explanation.
“They’re killing Christians,” he said. “And that’s a fact that cannot be argued.”
Barbir further argued that the attacks reflect a broader effort by extremists to expand Islamic influence in parts of Nigeria, pointing to years of violence, blasphemy-related killings and attacks against Christian communities.
While the situation remains dire, Building Zion continues to provide practical support on the ground. Barbir said his organization is rebuilding destroyed villages, drilling water wells and constructing security watchtowers to help communities detect approaching attackers.
“We’re rebuilding their villages. We’re building 25-foot security watchtowers around the villages,” he said.
For Christians everywhere, now is the time to pray fervently for protection, justice and peace for the persecuted church in Nigeria—and to remember those whose faith is costing them everything.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
