By Rev.Fliibus Bakari Auta,
The United Methodist Church in Nigeria has donated relief materials and cash support worth over N200 million to victims of violent communal conflicts in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, as part of efforts to assist affected families rebuild their lives and return to normalcy.
The humanitarian intervention, described as one of the church’s largest relief operations in recent years, was carried out by a delegation from the Nigeria Episcopal Area led by the Resident Bishop of Nigeria and the Mission Districts of Cameroon and Senegal, Ande Emmanuel.
The delegation visited several communities affected by the clashes, including Munga-Lelau, Balasa Karim, Gamji, Magami and Bandawa, where hundreds of homes and livelihoods were destroyed. During the distribution exercise, relief materials, food items, sanitary supplies and cash assistance were presented to more than 1,000 affected households.
Speaking at the event, Bishop Emmanuel said the intervention was aimed at helping victims rebuild houses destroyed during the violence and meet their immediate needs.
“We bring relief materials, including cash support worth over N200 million, to affected communities. The goal is to support families whose homes were destroyed in the conflict and provide them with essential items needed for their welfare and recovery,” he stated.
The bishop stressed that the assistance was extended to all victims regardless of religious affiliation, ethnic background or denomination, noting that the church’s mission was driven by compassion and the desire to alleviate suffering.
He also called on all parties involved in the conflicts to embrace peace, dialogue and reconciliation, warning that continued violence would only deepen the hardship already experienced by communities in the area.
“We urge everyone to sheath their swords and pursue peaceful coexistence. Development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and mutual understanding,” he said.
The traditional ruler of Bandawa community, Mr. Bitrus Mallam, expressed gratitude to the church for the intervention, describing it as a timely response to the plight of displaced families.
“Since our homes were destroyed by the conflict, neither government nor non-governmental organisations came to our aid. Today, we have witnessed the practical demonstration of Christ’s love through Bishop Ande Emmanuel and the United Methodist Church. We are deeply grateful,” he said.
Also speaking, the Women Fellowship Leader of UMCN in Balasa Karim, Mrs. Mariyati Audi, described the donation as unprecedented, saying the affected communities had endured repeated cycles of violence over the years without receiving support of such magnitude.
“This relief effort is historic and has brought renewed hope to many families. We appreciate the church for standing with us in our time of need,” she stated.
On behalf of the youths in the affected communities, Miss Josephine Innocent thanked the church for its generosity and commitment to restoring hope among victims of the crisis.
Bishop Emmanuel further acknowledged the support of the General Board of Global Ministries, whose grant made the humanitarian intervention possible, assuring that the church would continue to support vulnerable communities and promote peace-building initiatives across the region.
