Tragic Violence Claims Lives of Three United Methodists in Nigeria
Three United Methodists were killed amidst escalating violence in Nigeria, which has deepened the divide between The United Methodist Church and the Global Methodist Church. The UMC leadership issued condemnations and calls for peace, urging both communities to refrain from violence. The situation remains perilous as church leaders seek justice and advocate for unity among their members.
Amid escalating conflict in rural Nigeria, three members of The United Methodist Church were violently killed. Elisha Masoyi, aged 27, lost his life due to gunfire, while two toddlers, Abednego and Baby, perished in a fire caused by the burning of their hut during the same assault. This tragedy occurred in Munga Dosso, Taraba State, following a gathering of Global Methodist Church members at Bwoi United Methodist Church, despite a government-imposed closure of both denominations’ churches in September for security reasons.
United Methodist bishops have condemned the violence and extended their support to the affected community, urging both The United Methodist Church of Nigeria and the Global Methodist Church to practice peace amidst the conflict. Bishop John Pena Auta of the Global Methodist Church echoed these sentiments, calling for community-wide violence prevention.
The altercation between members of the two denominations resulted in the deaths and injuries of church members, with ten individuals reported hurt and receiving treatment at home. United Methodist leaders, including Bishop-elect Ande Emmanuel and Nigeria Lead Bishop John Schol, have publicly denounced the violence, emphasizing the need for justice and peace.
In light of the clashes, leaders from both denominations are urged to engage in respectful dialogue and cease any incitement of violence. Bishop Schol has expressed concerns over the rising tensions, which he attributes to misinformation propagated by the Global Methodist Church to justify their actions and incite fear against the established United Methodist Church.
The United Methodist Church has taken legal actions against the Global Methodist Church concerning property rights, following disputes over the ownership of church properties after the split. Efforts to unify United Methodist members in Nigeria continue, with significant numbers returning to the denomination after initially departing under the leadership of Bishop Yohanna.
Following the violent events, the UMC’s leadership has called for immediate action to ensure peace. Tracy S. Malone, President of the UMC Council of Bishops, extended condolences to victims’ families and urged members to embody peace in their actions and words, reiterating the principle that violence does not resolve conflict.
The Rev. Eli S. Yakku, dean of the Nigeria cabinet, has highlighted the need for mental health support for the affected community as many families have been displaced. He calls for ongoing advocacy for justice and accountability to prevent further violent incidents within the community.
In a supportive statement, Bishop Auta from the Global Methodist Church has urged the community to embrace peace, emphasizing the necessity to uplift brotherhood and development amid this turbulent situation. He suggested that outside instigators caused the unrest, advocating for reconciliation to foster community harmony.
The recent violence in Nigeria, resulting in the tragic deaths of three United Methodists, has prompted strong condemnations from church leaders and a call for peace. The conflict underscores deep divisions between The United Methodist Church and the Global Methodist Church. Leadership from both churches is implored to prioritize peaceful dialogue and community healing as they confront the challenges posed by escalating tensions. The West Africa Central Conference’s recent decisions may significantly influence the future of United Methodism in Nigeria.
Original Source: www.umnews.org
