An American missionary has levelled serious allegations against the Benue State Government, claiming it deliberately blocked his efforts to construct a modest market in Yelwata community for survivors of recent terrorist attacks and banditry.

The missionary, identified in various reports as Alex Barbir, founder of the humanitarian organisation Building Zion, had proposed rebuilding the market—destroyed amid violent clashes and attacks in Guma Local Government Area—at an estimated cost of between ₦50 million and ₦60 million. His initiative aimed to provide economic relief and a means of livelihood for displaced and afflicted residents who have endured significant hardship.

According to his statements in a widely circulated video, Barbir approached relevant authorities, including the Humanitarian Commissioner, to express his intentions and seek necessary approvals.

He recounted: “I had to go to the Humanitarian Commissioner and I let them know of my desire here, what I’m supposed to do. And I was directed that I’m not allowed to build the market. They said that the government has plans to build the market, and they said, ‘We’ll send you the plan tomorrow, maybe two days.’ And I waited over two weeks, no response.

“And I’m pressuring, I’m asking, ‘So what is happening? When are we going to build the market? You said you’d send me the plan, I have no plan.’ And they sent me a bill of a 300 million plan for a market in Yelwata. While they told me I can’t build, I would spend maybe 50 or 60 million to rebuild everything and they considered a 300 million market here in Yelwata.

“I said, ‘What market in any village or town is there that is worth 300 million Nigeria? Not one. Zero. Even in cities, which city has a 300 million market? Very few.’ And I said I would not partake in this because my personal opinion is that people are using funds that are meant for the persecuted, the afflicted, Christian or Muslim, it doesn’t even matter. People are suffering in Nigeria, and funds are supposed to be reaching those people to help them, to rebuild, to give food, to give aid, to do all these things. And the money that’s meant for them is not making it to them. And so there needs to be purity within funds and within the government to do things in faith, to do things openly, to have accountability for what is being spent.”

Barbir’s claims have sparked widespread discussions on social media and online platforms, with many questioning the transparency and efficiency of government-led reconstruction projects in affected communities like Yelwata. The missionary has reportedly been involved in other relief efforts in the area, including the reconstruction of numerous homes for victims.

The Benue State Government is yet to issue an official response to these specific allegations as of the time of this report.