25 February, 2025
Members of the press,
Good morning. Though I’m glad to see you, I do so saddened to share news of continual tensions that are impacting The United Methodist Church in Nigeria’s ministry and members. Today, I am especially thinking of two recent incidents.
On 6th February, 2025, in the Keru village of Balaifi in Benue District of North Eastern Nigeria Annual Conference, The United Methodist Keru Charge was set on fire, burning it to the ground, in yet another troubling example of the escalating aggression against The United Methodist Church by persons associated with the GMC.
The most recent being an incident on 17th February, at Banyam Theological Seminary. This seminary was established in 1946 by United Methodist Church agencies and donors. Ever since, UMC agencies and donors have continued to fund the seminary that has trained many clergy of The United Methodist Church, including me, the new UM Bishop of Nigeria.
A week ago, GMC associates went to the Banyan Seminary and took down UMC landmarks, signposts, and logos—specifically at the seminary chapel —and replaced them with GMC signs. We notified the police. Then, without permission, Bishops Jones and Auta visited the seminary and held meetings there. The property was vandalized and signs were changed by the GMC because their bishops were coming. Previously, the Chief of the area and the police had stated that the GMC should stay away from UMC property. Clearly this did not occur. United Methodists did go to the property and demand that the GMC leave immediately. An altercation occurred. The UM District Superintendent for the area and others confirm these events. There are two different stories of what happened, so it is now a matter for the police, who have our full cooperation.
On behalf of The United Methodist Church of Nigeria, I strongly condemn any act of violence or disrespect from either party. These acts of aggression are an affront to our faith and an apparent attempt to erase the identity and heritage of The United Methodist Church (UMC) of Nigeria.
These events are not isolated. Since misinformation continues to be spread within Nigeria, it’s important that we continue to set the record straight on matters regarding The UMC of Nigeria and actions taken against us.
After the former UM Bishop of Nigeria resigned in July 2024—under complaint of corrupt practices—and joined the Global Methodist Church, a series of unjust, unethical, and illegal actions took place.
Individuals affiliated with the GMC began to use force to take over and vandalize UMC property and harass United Methodist laity and clergy. They took ministry funds, property and equipment that had been purchased and are owned by The UMC.
Using forged signatures on legal documents, incorrect information, and false claims that they were acting as UMC representatives, GMC affiliated persons went to the government to wrongly change the name of The United Methodist Church on legal documents to that of the GMC.
A letter was sent to Bishops Jones and Auta in November 2024 expressing our concern that tensions were rising and that a conversation was needed about how we could work together to maintain peace as the legal system addressed the situation. There was no response. A month later in Munga Dosso, Nigeria, three United Methodists – one adult and two children- were killed, and ten wounded by acts of gunfire and arson carried out by supporters of the GMC. Only after this violence did we hear from Bishops Jones and Auta, but no known actions were taken.
Regretfully, as previously shared, in response to the shooting, some GMC family homes were also set on fire. As promised, this month The UMC of Nigeria worked with these families to restore their homes through funds, food and clothing. Though we invited the GMC Bishops Jones and Auta to work with us to repair the more than 20 UMC homes that were destroyed by GMC associates, assistance was not provided. Therefore, The UMC of Nigeria raised the funds to ensure that our members were also made whole again in regards to property. In the midst of this hardship, we have witnessed a remarkable spirit of unity and resilience within The UMC community.
In a letter sent in January, we called upon the GMC bishops to work with The UMCN to achieve peace. We proposed that all property as it presently stood would continue to be overseen by that denomination until the courts resolved the matter. We also committed to put out a joint letter to encourage peace and to not enter each other’s properties. For more than a month and a half, there was no response until the incident at the Banyam Seminary.
We believe these latest incidents at Keru and BTS are directly connected to tensions in the region stemming from the GMC’s unlawful occupation of The United Methodist Church Secretariat in Jalingo and other UMC properties across Nigeria. These coordinated attacks are seen as part of the Global Methodist Church’s ongoing campaign of intimidation, violence, and forceful takeover of UMC properties.
GMC leaders and associates have continued to file unfounded complaints that have prevented United Methodist leaders from entering the country creating barriers to ministry work. Despite frustrations, The United Methodist Church of Nigeria has committed to not repay evil with evil. When Bishop Jones applied to come from the United States, we intentionally did not seek to prevent his entering the country because he has a role and ministry to perform.
United Methodists in Nigeria continue to grieve the damage done to the witness of the Church overall. We are committed to work for peace and to allow the courts to resolve the issues. The courts will begin addressing the matter in March. We once again call on the GMC’s Bishops Jones and Auta to be responsive and responsible to work with us to maintain peace and order until the issues are resolved.
An executive order of the governor of Taraba State closed United Methodist churches in that region as a result of misinformation about property claims. Since August 2024, Global Methodists have continued to worship in most of their churches and operate in our Secretariat in Mile Six under military protection. However, all United Methodist churches remain under lock and key, forcing our members to worship outside in lieu of a church building.
As proud citizens of Taraba State, The UMCN 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 GMCN to help reestablish peace in the region. We look forward to the day when peace is reestablished in the region, and the authority of the state and church are again respected by all members of the community, including The UMC and the GMC.
As followers of the Prince of Peace, The United Methodist Church of Nigeria does not preach nor condone violence in any form. The continued misinformation, violent acts, and other concerning matters against The UMC have taken a toll on our members. I urge United Methodists to remain peaceful, humble, prayerful and vigilant as we use the proper channels to work toward a swift and just solution. If members hear about something that may create tension, they should not engage in word or deeds, but alert the police and leave the matter to the authorities.
We call on the Global Methodist leaders in Nigeria to refrain from any approach that may damage the peaceful coexistence that peace-loving Tarabans have enjoyed for years.
It is our prayer that we find a resolution quickly so that we may continue to serve the community, reflecting Christ to the world, bringing glory to God, and making disciples for Jesus Christ.
Bishop Ande Emmanuel
Resident Bishop, UMC Nigeria and Mission Districts of Senegal and Cameroon
