The leadership of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Nigeria has called on Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State to ensure fairness in the resolution of the ongoing conflict with the breakaway faction, the Global Methodist Church (GMC).
Speaking at a press conference in Jalingo on Tuesday, Bishop Ande Emmanuel, the Resident Bishop of UMC Nigeria and Mission Districts of Senegal and Cameroon, urged the government to take decisive action in addressing the dispute over church properties.
He stressed the need for dialogue to facilitate a peaceful resolution.
“We call on the governor to be just in handling this issue. We implore the government, in the spirit of fairness and justice, to take proper measures with the Global Methodist Church Nigeria (GMCN) to help re-establish peace in the region,” Bishop Emmanuel stated.
The bishop expressed hope that peace would be restored when both state and church authorities are respected by all members of the community, including the UMC and GMC.
He also urged GMC leaders to avoid actions that could disrupt the peaceful coexistence that Taraba residents have long enjoyed.
Reaffirming the UMC’s commitment to non-violence, Bishop Emmanuel condemned what he described as misinformation and violent acts against the church.
He criticized an executive order that led to the closure of UMC churches in the state, attributing it to “continued misinformation about property claims”.
The cleric also alleged that GMC members have continued to worship in UMC churches and operate from their secretariat in Mile Six under military protection.
The bishop further raised concerns over attacks on UMC properties, including the destruction of the Banyan Seminary in Taraba and the burning of the UMC church in Keru village of Adamawa State.
He accused GMC leaders and their associates of filing baseless complaints that have prevented UMC leaders from entering Nigeria, hindering ministry work.
Despite the tensions, Bishop Emmanuel urged UMC members to remain calm and law-abiding. He assured them that the church would continue to seek justice through legal and diplomatic means.
“If members hear about something that may create tension, they should not engage in words or deeds, but alert the police and leave the matter to authorities,” he advised.
