Authorities in Taraba State have announced the arrest of two pastors and multiple members of the UMCN/GMCN for allegedly disobeying a state executive decree that forbade their religious activities.
All UMCN/GMCN church buildings were ordered closed by the state government, according to police sources, and this was reportedly in response to a claimed rebellion against that order.
According to the decree, this should continue until the denomination’s factional crisis-related leadership and security issues are resolved.
At approximately 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, in Kasuwan Bera, Kofai Ward, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area, the arrests occurred, according to a police official who spoke with Zagazola Makama.
According to him, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Sunkani Division sent officers to the church on credible information that the banned sect was having a service in the wee hours of the morning against the closure order.
When the police arrived, they found a number of GMCN members participating in religious ceremonies. They disobeyed police orders and were later detained, he added, despite numerous warnings.
The situation reportedly became worse when two pastors, Rev. Beziel Yayuba Yoila and an unnamed one, showed up and allegedly incited members to fight back against the police.
“The DPO requested additional resources from the Department of Operations (DOPS) as the mob began throwing stones at the police officers. “Reverend Beziel and the second pastor were both arrested as reinforcements arrived swiftly,” he claimed.
We have taken into custody Rev Beziel’s vehicle along with a cutlass, a canister of Police Body Guard Tear Gas and a rearing stick for additional inquiry.
Another source said that the suspects have been sent to Jalingo’s State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for covert interrogation.
Concerns about public safety and ongoing leadership issues led the Taraba State Government to temporarily shut down all UMCN/GMCN congregations by an executive decree.