Press Statement
For Immediate Release
It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC) expresses its profound condolences and unwavering solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the Northeast Nigeria Annual Conference following the horrific violence that occurred between May 23 and 24, 2025, in Karim Lamido Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria.
We have received with great pain the reports of brutal attacks on the communities of Munga Lelau, Magami, Munga Dosso, and Bandawa—violence that has led to the killing of over thirty people, including twenty-four members of The United Methodist Church. The destruction of more than sixty-two homes and the displacement of over 5,000 individuals is deeply distressing and unacceptable.
Among the most affected congregations are:
- United Methodist Church Munga Lelau
- United Methodist Church Magami
- United Church No. 1 Munga Dosso
- United Methodist Church Bunkabu
- United Methodist Church Bunkachi
- United Methodist Church Ngurore Jabu
We also extend our heartfelt condolences to the Baptist Church community, which has suffered alongside our United Methodist family in this crisis.
As Resident Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference and President of the College of Bishops, West Africa Central Conference, I, Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., extend my deepest sympathy to the families of the victims, the leadership of The United Methodist Church in Nigeria, and the people of the affected communities. We join you in mourning and in prayer for healing, peace, and restoration.
We are encouraged to know that the United Methodist Church in Nigeria has mobilized a relief response through its first responders, including the District Superintendents of Munga Lelau, Karim, and Munga Dosso Districts. We commend the tireless efforts of:
- Rev. Dr. Danladi Balutu
- Rev. Monday Musa Marwa
- Rev. Geoffrey Jarama
Their frontline ministry and support to the suffering is a testament to our shared calling.
As a sister Conference, we stand ready to provide prayerful and practical support where possible. We call upon the Government of Nigeria—both state and federal—to act swiftly and decisively in restoring peace, protecting lives, and ensuring justice for the victims.
We further urge all stakeholders in this conflict to pursue peaceful dialogue and reconciliation. Violence is never the answer. Only peace, understanding, and justice can lead us forward.
Let us all—across Africa and the global United Methodist connection—continue to lift up the people of Karim Lamido and the Northeast Nigeria Annual Conference in our prayers.
May God’s comfort, justice, and peace prevail.
Yours in His Service,
Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr.
Resident Bishop, Liberia Annual Conference
The United Methodist Church, Liberia Episcopal Area
President, College of Bishops
West Africa Central Conference
Media Contact:
Bro. Charles Gbayor
Press Secretary to Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr.
The United Methodist Church – Liberia Annual Conference
+231-772-337-852 / +231-881-356-292
gbayorcharles08@gmail.com