By Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo
JALINGO (PRECISE POST) – The Kofai community in Ardo Kola local government area of Taraba State has called on Global Methodist Church Nigeria (GMCN) and the United Methodist Church Nigeria (UMCN) to refrain from dragging the community and her monarch into their prolonged crisis.
The Wablau Youth Development Association (WYDA) Kofai, who issued a statement in Jalingo on Thursday signed by Martin Joseph Yani, Chairman of WYDA say that the allegations by some sympathisers of the UMCN/GMCN that the community under the leadership of the Chief mobilised thugs to attack the worshippers at a Church in Kofai is laughable.
The Two Churches have been involved in serious crisis over time and attacks on each other are common in Taraba.
“Let it be unequivocally stated that these allegations are entirely false and a product of either ignorance or deliberate intent to incite discord. Our independent findings confirm that the District Chief was present at the scene only in a mediatory capacity, seeking to de-escalate tensions between the two factions, GMCN and UMCN. His intervention became necessary after the GMCN willfully defied a clear directive from the government suspending all church activities pending investigation.
“This directive was reiterated during a formal meeting with the District Head, and GMCN initially agreed to comply, only to brazenly violate the agreement by proceeding with a service. This act of defiance compelled the presence of security operatives tasked with restoring law and order.
“The District Chief’s role throughout was that of a peacemaker and custodian of lawful order. The notion that he mobilized thugs is not only false and irresponsible, but also defies logic and his well-known track record of peacebuilding.
“We wish to sound a final warning: any further attempts to defame our leaders or misrepresent the role of our people in this matter will be met with firm legal and civil action. We will not allow our name to be dragged through the mud by agents of disunity.
“To the public and all peace-loving citizens: we urge you to disregard these rumors and remain vigilant against those who thrive on division and deceit. Let us continue to work together for peace, truth, and communal harmony”.
