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Leadership of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Nigeria has called on Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State to ensure fairness in handling the ongoing conflict between the church and the breakaway faction, the Global Methodist Church (GMC).
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Speaking at a press conference in Jalingo, yesterday, the Resident Bishop of UMC Nigeria and Mission Districts of Senegal and Cameroon, Ande Emmanuel, urged the government to take decisive steps in resolving the dispute over church properties.
He stressed the need for a peaceful resolution through dialogue between the two factions.
The cleric expressed optimism that peace would be restored when both the state and church authorities are respected by members of the community, including the UMC and GMC.
He urged GMC leaders to avoid actions that could threaten the peaceful co-existence in the state.
While reaffirming the UMC’s dedication to non-violence, Emmanuel lamented the spread of misinformation and violent acts targeting the church.
The cleric condemned what he described as “continued misinformation about property claims,” which, according to him, led to an executive order shutting down UMC churches in Taraba.
He alleged that GMC members continue to occupy UMC churches and operate from their secretariat in Mile Six under military protection.
The bishop also raised concerns about attacks on UMC properties, including the destruction of Banyan Seminary in Taraba, and the burning of the UMC church at Keru village, Adamawa State.
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