SAA event in Taraba State, Munga Dosso area, Nigeria on Sun 15th December 2024

Three United Methodists were killed in clashes between members of The United Methodist Church of Nigeria and the breakaway Global Methodist Church in Munga Dosso, Taraba State.

The Dec. 15 attack followed the gathering of Global Methodist Church members at Bwoi United Methodist Church in the village of Bunkabu, despite the closure of both denominations’ churches in September by the government as a result of conflict that caused instability and disrupted peace in the state.

During the confrontation, Elisha Masoyi, 27, a United Methodist and brother of the church lay leader, was shot and killed.

The fighting spread to the surrounding community, where huts were torched, resulting in the deaths of 4-year-old Abednego and 2-year-old Baby, children of Abraham Kefas, a church member and overseer of Divine Success UMCN Nursery and Primary School in the Munga Dosso community. Ten church members were injured and are being treated at home.

In a statement, United Methodist Bishop-elect Ande Emmanuel and Nigeria Lead Bishop John Schol condemned the violence and offered prayers and support for those affected.  

“As bishops of The United Methodist Church, we are outraged that such an atrocity would occur among Christians, especially brothers and sisters who were once part of the same Methodist family.”