UMCN members Major Victims Of Karim Lamido Killings- Bishop

 

 The Bishop of the United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN), Bishop Emmanuel Ande on Sunday lamented that twenty four out of thirty people killed in the herdsmen attack in Munga Lelau, Magami, Munga Dosso, and Bandawa in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba state are members of the Northeast Nigeria Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

 

Ande, in a press statement signed and made available to Journalists in Jalingo expressed worry that the senseless conflict between the indigenous farmers and Fulani-herdsmen in these areas has resulted in the brutal killing of over thirty persons.

 

"Among the twenty-four identified are members of the United Methodist Church. In addition, more than 62 homes have been burnt down, and over 5,000 individuals have been displaced, leaving behind a trail of grief, pain, and despair.

 

Most affected are the United Methodist Church Munga Lelau, the United Methodist Church Magami, the United Methodist Church No.1 Munga Dosso, the United Methodist Church Bunkabu, the United Methodist Church Bunkachi, and the United Methodist Church Ngurore Jabu" he said.

 

The statement highlighted that on behalf of The United Methodist Church in Nigeria and the Mission Districts of Senegal and Cameroon, the Bishop extend his heartfelt condolences to the families of all victims, the leadership and members of the Northeast Nigeria Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, and brothers and sisters in the Baptist Church, who are the second most affected by this tragedy.

 

The United Methodist Church mourns with all those affected and prayed fervently for comfort, healing, and strength during this difficult time.

 

"We stand in solidarity with all affected communities and reaffirm our commitment to peace, justice, and the sanctity of human life.

 

The United Methodist Church in Nigeria relief committee, who are our first responders are on ground already working with the District Superintendents of Munga Lelau District, Karim District and Munga Dosso District of the United Methodist Church to provide support for victims and their families" the statement informed.

 

The Bishop called on all parties involved in the conflict to embrace peace and dialogue as the path to resolving disputes.

 

" Violence only breeds more pain and suffering. There is a better way—one rooted in mutual respect, empathy, and the recognition of our shared humanity.

 

" I urgently called upon the Taraba State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria to be intentional and proactive in their responsibility to protect the lives and properties of all citizens, especially those in the vulnerable communities of Karim Lamido.

 

"Immediate and sustained efforts must be made to restore peace and security in these areas, and to provide relief and rehabilitation to the displaced" the statement added.