By Okerafor Athanasius, Jalingo
As the crisis between the United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN) and its breakaway body, the Global Methodist Church (GMC) in Taraba State, North-East Nigeria, deepened, the leadership of UMCN in the State has pleaded with the State Governor, Agbu Kefas to wade into the matter.
It believed the governor’s intervention will lead to justice and equity in the matter.
The Resident Bishop, Nigeria Episcopal Area and the Mission Districts of Cameroon and Senegal of UMCN, Ande Emmanuel, during a press conference on Tuesday, February 25, at Negataba branch of the church in Jalingo, the state capital, urged Gov. Kefas to take decisive action to resolve the dispute over church properties.
Our correspondent gathered that the conflict between the two churches has claimed lives, with both factions battling over ownership of the church, its properties and leadership superiority.
Bishop Ande, who emphasized that dialogue remained the key to settling conflicts, called on the governor to be just in handling the issue.
“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,” he said.
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 UMC and GMC.
He cautioned GMC leaders against actions that could destabilize the peaceful coexistence that Taraba residents have long enjoyed.
Reaffirming UMC’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 UMC branchi in the state, attributing the decision to “continued misinformation about property claims.”
Additionally, he alleged that GMC members continued to worship in UMC churches and operate from their secretariat in Mile Six, under military protection.
He further raised concerns over attacks on UMC properties, citing the destruction of the Banyan Seminary in Taraba and the burning of the UMC church in Keru village, Adamawa State.
The bishop accused GMC leaders of filing unfounded complaints which, he claimed, prevented UMC leaders from entering Nigeria, thus obstructing God Almighty’s ministry work.
Despite these challenges, Bishop Emmanuel urged UMC 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 the authorities,” he advised.
