A United States-based missionary and humanitarian worker, Alex Barbir, has criticised the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, over the church’s donation to support the evacuation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
Barbir described the intervention as “an act of slavery”, questioning why the church chose to provide financial assistance for an evacuation exercise being coordinated by the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The RCCG donated $265,854 to support the evacuation of 500 Nigerians who had expressed their desire to return to Nigeria following reports of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa.
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the donation and commended the church for supporting Nigerians affected by the situation.
The ministry said the donation would fund 500 one-way air tickets for Nigerians seeking to leave South Africa and return home.
The government described the contribution as an act of compassion and solidarity towards Nigerians facing difficult circumstances abroad.
However, Barbir questioned the decision by the church to support the government-led evacuation programme.
“This is an act of slavery,” the missionary and humanitarian worker said.
Barbir also questioned the role of Christian leaders in supporting government interventions while, according to him, Christians and other Nigerians continue to face insecurity and attacks within the country.
His criticism comes amid his previous public comments on insecurity and killings in parts of Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt.
Barbir has been vocal about attacks on communities in the region and has repeatedly challenged the Nigerian government over its response to insecurity.
The controversy follows the Federal Government’s ongoing evacuation programme for distressed Nigerians in South Africa.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 1,640 Nigerians had been evacuated as of the latest update, with the government fully funding the return of 1,385 people. The remaining evacuations have received support from philanthropic contributions, including the RCCG donation.
The ministry said its diplomatic missions in South Africa would continue working with Nigerian community associations to assist citizens who wish to return home because of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.
The government has also continued discussions with South African authorities over concerns surrounding attacks against Nigerians and other Africans.
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