The President of the West Africa Central Conference, College of Bishops and the Resident Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr, says he is deeply saddened and gravely concerned by the recent reports of a violent and deadly ambush on members of the United Methodist Church in the Zailana Dorofai District, Nigeria.
According to an official statement from the United Methodist Church Nigeria Episcopal Area, members of the breakaway Global Methodist Church (GMC) forcefully invaded church property in Zailani and launched an unprovoked attack but was met with stiff resistance from United Methodist members in the area.
This brutal act led to the tragic killing of Alhaji B. Sambo, a committed member, husband, and father of three. Additionally, Victoria Bawa Michael, widow of a late pastor, was critically wounded alongside other faithful members: Gideon Hamza, Bolyo Bitrus, and Justice Mani.
“As President of the West Africa Central Conference College of Bishops, I strongly and unequivocally condemn the use of violence as a means of conflict resolution. Such actions only lead to further harm, suffering, and division. I however call on the GMC to allow the United Methodist Church in Nigeria and elsewhere to freely do the work of God under the laws of the respective state,” the statement signed by Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. observed.
Bishop Quire said, “As followers of Jesus Christ and members of the United Methodist Church family, lets uphold peace, justice, and reconciliation as our core values. The use of violence to settle ecclesiastical or property disputes is entirely unacceptable and contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
“I express my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and injured for and on behalf of the West Africa Central Conference, College of Bishops. I stand in solidarity with the United Methodist Church in Nigeria and commit to praying for God’s comfort, healing, and justice during this painful time.
“I (Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr, President WACC) also call upon the Nigerian government, the international Community, United Methodist church worldwide, and all peace-loving institutions to fully investigate and condemn this matter and ensure that those responsible for these attacks are held accountable.
“As President of the WACC, I therefore urge United Methodists in Nigeria to respond to this tragedy with peace, not retaliate or respond to violence with violence, and remain steadfast as beacons of hope and love.
“WACC, continue to pray for Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel, his family, and the entire church community, seeking for their safety, strength, and the healing of the nation and the church.
“In Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, it says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21). As followers of Jesus Christ, The church will continue to be an instrument of peace and agent of healing in a world torn apart by conflict and violence.
“In this time of trial, may the Prince of Peace reign in the hearts of Christians and guide all to paths of justice, healing, and unity,” the release noted.