Taraba State, Nigeria – Violence erupted in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area on Sunday, December 15, 2024, when members of two rival factions of the Methodist Church clashed, leaving three people dead.
The deadly conflict occurred in Munga Dasso village when worshippers of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN) and the newly-formed Global Methodist Church (GMC) fought after one faction reportedly opened a church building that had been sealed by the state government.
The violent confrontation has raised concerns about the growing tensions between the two factions, which have been at odds over leadership issues for several months.
The crisis began when one of the factions, believed to be loyal to the UMCN, broke into the church building in Munga Dasso to hold Sunday service. This act provoked a violent response from members of the Global Methodist Church, a breakaway group that has split from the UMCN in recent years.
As tensions flared, a confrontation quickly turned deadly. Eyewitnesses reported that several people were injured in the violence, with three confirmed dead at the scene.
State Police Confirm Fatalities
In a statement, Abdullahi Usman, the Police Public Relations Officer for Taraba State, confirmed the incident.
“There was a crisis in Karim-Lamido Local Government Council, which led to the killing of three people,” Usman said.
He also stated that six suspects had been arrested in connection with the killings and that security forces had been deployed to maintain peace in the area.
“The situation is under control now, and we are working to prevent any further violence,” Usman added.
The root cause of the violence is linked to ongoing leadership disputes between the UMCN and the GMC. The GMC is a breakaway faction that emerged after disagreements over the direction of the UMCN, with many of its followers seeking a more conservative approach to church governance.
This division has led to bitter disputes over church property and leadership positions. The state government had previously attempted to ease tensions by sealing off church buildings in conflict zones, but the latest violence has exposed the failure of these efforts.
Government’s Failure to Resolve Crisis Criticized
Local residents have expressed frustration with the state government’s inability to fully address the issue. Some worshippers believe that the government’s failure to resolve the ongoing crisis has only made matters worse.
The clash has not only left families grieving the loss of loved ones but also sparked fear among local residents. Many are worried that further violence could erupt if the government and church leaders do not take decisive action to address the crisis.
For now, the situation remains tense, with both factions of the church demanding justice for their members and calling for a resolution to the leadership conflict.
Despite the tragic loss of life, some community leaders are calling for peace and dialogue between the two church factions.
Many are hoping that the state government will step in to mediate and bring about a long-term solution to the crisis. However, as of now, the situation remains uncertain, with tensions still running high.
