The leadership of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria has appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State to intervene in the ongoing conflict with the breakaway faction, the Global Methodist Church (GMC), ensuring a fair and just resolution.
Speaking at a world press conference in Jalingo on Tuesday, the Resident Bishop of UMC Nigeria and Mission Districts of Senegal and Cameroon, Bishop Ande Emmanuel, urged the state government to take decisive action to resolve the dispute over church properties.
He emphasized that dialogue remains the key to restoring peace.
“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, to help re-establish peace in the region,” Bishop Emmanuel stated.
The bishop expressed optimism that lasting peace could be achieved, once both state and church authorities are respected by all members of the community, including the United Methodist Church and Global Methodist Church.
He also cautioned Global Methodist Church leaders against actions that could destabilize the peaceful coexistence that Taraba residents have long enjoyed.
Reaffirming the United Methodist Church’s commitment to non-violence, Bishop Emmanuel condemned what he described as misinformation and violent acts targeting the church.
He criticized an executive order that resulted in the closure of United Methodist Church churches in the state, attributing the decision to “continued misinformation about property claims.”
Additionally, he alleged that the Global Methodist Church members continue to worship in United Methodist Church churches, and operate from their secretariat in Mile Six, under military protection.
He further raised concerns over attacks on United Methodist Church properties, citing the destruction of the Banyan Seminary in Taraba and the burning of a church in Keru Village in Adamawa State.
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The bishop also accused Global Methodist Church leaders of filing unfounded complaints, which he claimed have prevented United Methodist Church leaders from entering Nigeria, thus obstructing ministry work.
Despite these challenges, Bishop Emmanuel urged United Methodist Church members to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that the church would pursue justice through legal and diplomatic channels.
“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.
Our correspondent noticed that the conflict between United Methodist Church, and Global Methodist Church continues to escalate, with both factions locked in dispute over church ownership and leadership.
