Global Methodist Church of Nigeria (GMCN) has faulted the decision of a Taraba Upper Area Court to strike out a case it filed against the United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN) over the sharing of church properties.
The court, presided over by Barkindo Idris Chiloma, dismissed the suit on Tuesday, February 17, citing abuse of court process and lack of jurisdiction.
Following the ruling, GMCN leaders expressed dissatisfaction and announced plans to challenge the verdict at a higher court.
They said the appeal is aimed at seeking further clarification on the judgment, which they believe did not adequately address the issues surrounding the disputed church properties.
Reacting to the ruling, the UMCN Bishop, Ande Emmanuel, welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a step toward restoring peace between the two churches.
He invited residents of Taraba State to attend a reconciliation service scheduled for February 22, 2026, at the reopened Jatutu Memorial Cathedral in Jalingo, noting that Governor Agbu Kefas is expected to attend.
Speaking with journalists, Ande urged members of GMCN to embrace dialogue rather than litigation.
He said: “Today’s ruling is a victory not just to the Family of UMCN as a church but a return of peace in Taraba state at large over the wrangling crisis between the two churches, we have open the long closed Jatutu Memorial Cathedral where the reconciliation service will be held on 22 February 2026, the Governor of Taraba state Agbu Kefas is going to be in attendance.”
However, the GMCN Bishop, John Pena, rejected the judgment, insisting that the church would pursue justice through legal means. Addressing a press conference in Jalingo, he said the GMCN, as a law-abiding body, would appeal the ruling. Represented by Bazel Yoila, the Conference Superintendent of the Southern Nigeria Annual Conference, Pena called on members to remain calm while legal processes continue and appealed to both state and federal authorities to address what he described as injustice against the church.
Meanwhile, NATIONAL ACCORD reports that tensions reportedly rose across Jalingo and surrounding areas, as members of both churches insisted on resuming Sunday services in facilities previously closed by the state government to prevent clashes. Residents expressed concern over possible unrest, urging religious leaders and authorities to prioritize peace and dialogue as efforts toward reconciliation continue.
