Message from the College of Bishops, West Africa Central Conference
The United Methodist Church

Bishop John Schol, Interim Team Leader, Nigeria Annual Conference
Bishop Andre E Emmanuel, Bishop-elect, Nigeria Annual Conference
Brothers and Sisters of the Nigeria Episcopal Area

A few days ago, we woke up to the sad and ugly news of an attack on the peaceful people of Bwoi United Methodist Church in the Bunkabu Village, leaving a 27-year-old Masoyi Elisha dead with about 10 persons wounded. This unwarranted attack must be condemned in the strongest possible words.

My colleague bishops of the West Africa Central Conference of The United Methodist Church (The Liberia Annual Conference, the Sierra Leone Annual Conference, Nigeria Annual Conference) of The United Methodist Church strongly condemn the recent attack on the Bwoi United Methodist Church in the village of Bunkabu, Taraba State, Nigeria, which occurred on Sunday, December 15, 2024. This horrific act, perpetrated by surrogates of the Global Methodist Church, resulted in the tragic death of 27-year-old Masoyi Elisha and left ten other church members wounded. Furthermore, the attackers, described as thugs and gangsters, set fire to eleven homes belonging to United Methodist members, leading to the heartbreaking loss of two young children, ages 2 and 4, respectively.

These despicable, violent, and barbaric acts must be unequivocally condemned by all Christians and people of goodwill. Such violence against the faithful is an affront not only to The United Methodist Church in Nigeria but also to the very essence of Christianity itself.

We urgently call on the Nigerian national security forces and police to take immediate action to identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible for these heinous crimes in accordance with the laws of Nigeria. It is imperative that justice is served to restore faith in the safety and sanctity of our places of worship.

In this time of sorrow, we urge all United Methodists and followers of Christ to remain peaceful and united while the authorities conduct their investigations. We encourage the bereaved families to find solace in the Lord and to lean on their faith for strength during this unfathomably difficult time.

We extend our deepest condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones in this senseless attack on the Church of Jesus Christ. This violence is a stark reminder that we must stand together in prayer for peace and reconciliation in Nigeria and around the world.

Let us unite in our commitment to fostering peace and healing within our communities, and may our prayers uplift those who have been affected by this tragedy.

Signed,


Bishop Samuel J. Quire, Jr.
Liberia Annual Conference &
President, College of Bishops, West Africa Central Conference
The United Methodist Church

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

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