Bishop condemns Taraba church killings, urges peaceful coexistence

Bishop of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Nigeria, Ande Emmanuel, has condemned the recent attack on Munga Dossa village in Taraba State’s Karim-Lamido Local Council, where three faithful were murdered.

Briefing newsmen yesterday in Jalingo Emmanuel denounced the December 15, 2024 assault, allegedly carried out by individuals linked to the breakaway Global Methodist Church (GMC).

The victims, including 27-year-old Masoyi Elisha and two children aged two and four, were alleged to have been brutally murdered, with 10 others injured, and 11 homes set ablaze.

The cleric described the killings as a tragic contradiction to the peace symbolised by the Christmas season. He recalled that the attackers opened fire after being asked to leave a UMC gathering in Munga Dossa, later returning to burn homes in the community.

“This day is seared in our memories for the rest of our lives,” he said, adding that the violence violated the teachings of the church and the laws of Nigeria.

Bishop Emmanuel also addressed claims that the UMC in Nigeria supports same-sex unions, reiterating the church’s adherence to traditional marriage between a man and a woman. He criticised GMC leaders for their delayed response to escalating tensions, despite prior appeals from UMC leadership in November to prevent such violence.

The cleric urged Nigerian authorities to investigate the incident, bring the perpetrators to justice, and examine allegations of financial and property misconduct by the GMC.

“Returning violence for violence is against the gospel of Jesus Christ,” he emphasised, calling on UMC members to remain peaceful and law-abiding.

He also appealed to the state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, to unseal UMC properties, allowing members to return to their places of worship. Emmanuel extended an olive branch to the GMC leadership, advocating collaboration to promote peaceful coexistence between the two denominations.

“Despite these difficulties, we trust in the Lord and remain steadfast in our mission to serve Nigeria for another 100 years and beyond,” he said.