The Taraba State Police Command has arrested two pastors and several members of the United Methodist Church of Nigeria/Global Mission Church of Nigeria (UMCN/GMCN) for allegedly violating an executive order that banned their religious activities in the state.
According to police sources, the arrests came after the church members reportedly defied the state government's directive ordering the closure of all UMCN/GMCN church premises pending the resolution of leadership disputes and security concerns within the denomination.
Early Morning Raid and Arrests
A police official confirmed that the arrests took place around 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, at Kasuwan Bera in Kofai Ward, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Sunkani Division led the operation based on intelligence reports that members of the banned faction were conducting an early morning service in defiance of the closure order.
"Upon arrival, the officers met some GMCN members actively engaged in religious activity. Despite repeated warnings, they defied police directives and were subsequently arrested," the police source stated.
Confrontation and Resistance
The situation reportedly escalated when Rev. Beziel Yayuba Yoila and another unidentified pastor arrived at the scene and allegedly incited church members to resist the police operation.
"The group started pelting officers with stones, prompting the DPO to call for reinforcement from the Department of Operations (DOPS). The reinforcements arrived swiftly, and both Rev. Beziel and the second pastor were arrested," the source added.
Police recovered several items from Rev. Beziel's vehicle, including a cutlass, a canister of Police Body Guard Tear Gas, and a rearing stick. All items have been taken into custody as evidence for further investigation.
Government Ban on Church Activities
The Taraba State Government had previously issued an executive order temporarily shutting down all UMCN/GMCN churches due to longstanding leadership disputes and concerns over public safety. The suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Jalingo for further investigation.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between religious organizations and government authorities in Taraba State, as officials attempt to maintain public order amid factional church disputes.
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