A violent clash between members of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN) and the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria (GMCN) in Taraba State has resulted in the deaths of two siblings and a 27-year-old man, Elisha Masoyi.
The incident took place on Sunday, December 15, in the Munga-Dosso community of Karim-Lamido Local Government Area.
The violence, which displaced around 1,000 worshippers, primarily women and children, started when three GMCN pastors, accompanied by their followers, attempted to reopen the UMCN No. 1 church for services.
UMCN members opposed the move, leading to clashes that quickly spread to other sealed UMCN churches, including No. 3.
Masoyi, a member of UMCN and brother of the church’s Lay Leader, was reportedly shot and killed during the unrest.
The conflict arises from a long-standing division between the two church factions, which led the Taraba State Government to seal three UMCN churches in Munga-Dosso to avoid further violence.
The Nigerian Army has arrested 23 UMCN members in connection with the incident.
According to the state police spokesperson, Usman Abdullahi, the crisis erupted after GMCN members tried to break into the sealed churches.
Reverend Alim Thomas, the UMCN district superintendent in Munga-Dosso, said his efforts to involve the police and prevent the violence were unsuccessful.
The tragedy highlights the ongoing tensions between the two church factions, which continue to disrupt the community.