By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The United Methodist church in Nigeria UMCN, had donated relief materials worth Three Million naira to affected communities in Karim Lamido Local Government, Taraba State.
Presenting the materials, Bishop Ande Emmanuel, Resident Bishop of UMCN and Mission Districts of Senegal and Cameroon, emphasized that the dual mission of material support and peace advocacy.
“We are here not only with food and supplies but with a message of peace,”
“Every life matters. We must recognize the sanctity of human life and reject violence.
“I urge all parties to embrace dialogue and peaceful dispute resolution.”
He call on government authorities, alled for greater accountability in protecting civilians.
“The Taraba State and Federal Government must wake up to their responsibilities. It is unacceptable that we continue to bury our people because of preventable conflict. The state must protect lives and property,” – he said.
In the aftermath of deadly clashes between Fulani herders and indigenous farmers in Taraba State, The United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN) under the leadership of bishop Ande Emmanuel launched a significant relief effort aimed at healing divisions and supporting victims on both sides of the conflict.
The relief Materials Valued at ₦31 million, was presented to communities of Munga Lelau, Jen, Karim Lamido and Bambuka areas impacted by the violence that broke out between May 22 and 23, 2025, which claim more than 30 lives in the clashes, many of them members of the United Methodist and Baptist Churches.
The crisis set homes ablaze, families displaced, and entire villages left in fear following attacks in Munga Lelau, Magami, Bandawa, and Munga Dosso.
The relief packages included, Rice, Maize, Beans, Guinea Corn, Cassava flour, Palm and Vegetable oil, as well as non-food items such as Clothings, Sleeping mats, Wrappers, Soap, Detergents, and Mosquito Nets which were distributed irrespect of Religious or ethnic affiliations.
The gesture has been widely praised by leaders across the conflict divide.
In his remarks, Ardo Garko, a Fulani herdsmen leader, described the church’s outreach as unprecedented.
“This is the first time we are receiving this kind of support from a church. They did not take sides.
We are deeply grateful and hopeful for lasting peace,” Garko said.
On his part, Representative of Chief of Munga Lelau Mr. Aliyuda Saidu, echoed the sentiment.
“Our community has been through unimaginable suffering, but this act of kindness brings hope. The Church has not abandoned us,” he said.
The distribution drew large crowds from affected communities, with both Christian and Muslim leaders attending which symbolize the share of grieves and a commitment to reconciliation.
Rev Eli Sule Yakku the dean of Cabinet for Nigeria episcopal Area closed the event with a prayer for national healing and comfort to the affected families.
“Let today be a message to all of Nigeria—that love is stronger than hate, and peace is possible, even in our most wounded places,” he said.