Methodist split in Nigeria linked to deadly violence
Bishop John Schol (right), lead bishop of the Nigerian Episcopal Area, speaks after Ande Emmanuel is elected bishop during the UMC's West Africa Central Conference meeting in Accra, Ghana, on December 7. (Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News)
Three United Methodists were killed in clashes between members of the United Methodist Church of Nigeria and the conservative breakaway Global Methodist Church in Munga Dosso, Taraba State.
The December 15 attack followed the gathering of Global Methodist Church members at Bwoi United Methodist Church in the village of Bunkabu. During the confrontation, Elisha Masoyi, 27, was shot and killed.
The fighting spread to the surrounding community, where huts were torched, resulting in the deaths of 4-year-old Abednego and 2-year-old Baby, children of Abraham Kefas, overseer of Divine Success UMCN Nursery and Primary School in the Munga Dosso community. Ten UMC members were injured and are being treated at home.
