By Emmanuel Awari,Jalingo
A prominent cleric in Taraba State has urged security agencies to arrest leaders of the Global Methodist Church Nigeria (GMCN) following a violent crisis in Munga Dosso, Karim Lamido Local Government Area, that reportedly left three people dead.
The Director of Connectional Ministries, United Methodist Church Nigeria (UMCN), Rev. Dr. Micah Dopah, made the call in a statement issued to journalists in Jalingo.
In the statement, Rev. Dopah accused GMCN leaders, Bishop John Pena Auta and former Bishop John Wisley, of inciting unrest after the denomination broke away from the UMCN in July 2024.
“These leaders should be brought to book. This denomination that broke away has now started shedding blood; let them face the wrath of the law for their ungodly acts in Munga Dosso,” the statement read.
Rev. Dopah also dismissed allegations linking him to the crisis, stating, “I want them to count me out of their troubles. For 12 years, we have faced them in court. Let them go to court even in China if they wish; the truth remains.”
However, GMCN leaders have refuted the accusations, calling instead for Rev. Dopah’s arrest.
Speaking through Rev. Simon Jatutu and Rev. Yayuba Baziel Yoila, GMCN Bishop John Pena Auta alleged that Rev. Dopah had violated the church’s constitution and accused him of supporting same-sex marriage, which the GMCN rejected.
“Micah Dopah has no right to call for the arrest of GMCN leaders. He is the one who should be arrested for spreading lies that led to people killing themselves,” said the GMCN leaders.
They further claimed that Rev. Dopah had taken church properties in Zing and Yorro local government areas, asserting their legal right to the church’s cathedral and secretariat in Jalingo.
The crisis reportedly escalated last Sunday after a long-standing dispute over church property and leadership dominance. The violence erupted when efforts to mediate between the two factions at the local police station failed.
Local sources confirmed that three people died and several others sustained injuries in the clashes, plunging the Munga Dosso community into turmoil.
Authorities have yet to make any official arrests or statements regarding the incident.