The Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC) has outrightly condemned the tragic violence in Karim Lamido, Taraba State, Nigeria that reportedly killed 24 United Methodists or churchgoers.
“It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that the Liberia Annual Conference of The
United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC) expresses 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 of 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 30 people, including 24 members of the UMC. The destruction of more than 62 homes and the
displacement of over 5,000 individuals from their communities is deeply upsetting and unacceptable,” the statement said.
“Among the most affected congregations,” the release said, “are the UMC Munga
Lelau, Magami, Munga Dosso, Bunkabu, Bunkachi, and Ngurore Jabu.”
“We also extend our condolences to the Baptist Church Community, which has suffered alongside our United Methodist
family in this crisis,” the statement adds.
The statement continues: “I, Bishop Samuel J. Quire, Jr., the Resident Bishop LAC/UMC and President, College of
Bishops, West Africa Central Conference, extends my heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims, the leadership of the UMC 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 UMC 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 efforts of Reverend (Dr.) Danladi Balutu, Reverend Monday Musa Marwa, and
Reverend Geoffrey Jarama for their frontline ministry and support to the suffering. As a sister conference, we stand ready to provide prayerful and practical support where possible.”
The statement, meanwhile, called on 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 also call on all stakeholders in this conflict to seek peaceful dialogue and reconciliation, “because violence is never the solution; only peace, understanding, and justice can lead us forward.”