Photo: Pastor Enoch Adeboye
By: Mandy Park
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 of $265,854 to support the evacuation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
Barbir described the intervention as “an act of slavery”, questioning the decision by the church to provide financial assistance for an evacuation exercise being coordinated by the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu.
The RCCG had donated the funds to support the purchase of 500 one-way air tickets for Nigerians seeking to return home following renewed xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa.
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs had acknowledged the donation and commended the church for what it described as an act of compassion, solidarity and commitment to the welfare of Nigerians in distress.
However, reacting to the development, Barbir faulted the church’s decision to support the government’s evacuation initiative, arguing that Christian leaders should be more concerned about the security challenges confronting Nigerians at home.
He questioned why religious leaders would provide financial assistance for government-led interventions abroad while Nigerians, particularly Christians, continued to face insecurity and attacks in different parts of the country.
“This is an act of slavery,” the missionary said.
Barbir, who has previously spoken out against killings and insecurity in Nigeria, particularly attacks on communities in the Middle Belt, has repeatedly criticised the Federal Government over what he considers its inadequate response to the security situation.
The RCCG’s donation followed renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa amid reports of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals.
The Federal Government commenced the evacuation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa on June 10, 2026, following reports of renewed attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals.
In a statement announcing the church’s contribution, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the $265,854 donation would cover the cost of 500 one-way tickets for Nigerians who had expressed their desire to return home.
The ministry disclosed that 1,640 Nigerians had been evacuated at the time of the announcement, with the Federal Government sponsoring the return of 1,385, while philanthropic contributions funded the evacuation of the remaining 255.
It described the RCCG’s intervention as an example of the positive impact of collaboration between faith-based organisations and government institutions in addressing humanitarian challenges.
The church, in its own statement, said the donation was made under Adeboye’s direction and reflected its commitment to compassion, justice and social responsibility.
It added that the intervention was intended to provide immediate relief and facilitate the safe return of vulnerable Nigerians affected by the xenophobic tensions.
The development has, however, drawn criticism from Barbir, who believes that the country’s worsening security situation deserves greater attention from religious leaders and the government.
