African Bishops Condemn Attack That Killed UMC Member in Nigeria

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April 16, 2025

An unprovoked attack on a United Methodist district parsonage by alleged supporters of the Global Methodist Church ended in tragedy April 14 when a church member was killed and a pastor's widow seriously injured along with several others.

United Methodist Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel issued a statement April 15 describing the attack on the Zailana Dorofai District Attack, in which Alhaji B. Sambo— whom the bishop identified as "a committed United Methodist family man and father of three" —was shot and killed. Posted on Facebook, the statement read in part:

"Members of the breakaway Global Methodist Church (GMC) forcefully invaded the United Methodist Parsonage in Zailani, attempting to unlawfully evict the family of our District Superintendent. When their actions were resisted, it is reported that the GMC resorted to a deadly ambush on innocent United Methodist Church members.

"Tragically, in the course of this violent act, our beloved brother, Alhaji B. Sambo—a committed United Methodist family man and father of three—was shot and killed. In addition, Mrs. Victoria Bawa Michael, the widow of a late United Methodist pastor, was severely injured along with three other faithful members: Gideon Hamza, Bolyo Bitrus, and Justice Mani. We mourn with their families and stand in solidarity with them during this time of pain and loss. There is no report of injuries to GMC members. The United Methodist Church has and continues to follow the ways of Jesus and not respond with violence, but through prayer and working with the civil authorities."

Bishop Emmanuel continued: "It is believed that the GMC wanted to show force because in the same community, the UMC held a revival in which more than 20,000 United Methodists, and a number of former GMC members who have now returned to the UMC.

"We unequivocally condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms. Such acts of violence, intimidation, and lawlessness have no place in our communities, our church, or the body of Christ. We call on the relevant security agencies and authorities—local, state, and national—to swiftly investigate this matter and ensure that justice is served to the perpetrators."

Bishop Emmanuel also reported, "Regretfully, repeated requests of Bishops John Pena and Bishop Scott Jones have gone unanswered or asking for more time because of their meeting or travel schedule. Even a plea to the U.S. lead GMC bishop with a promise to investigate the matters has not yielded any response or action. The only response from the GMC is that these are local matters. To date, the alleged GMC violence have led to the deaths of four people including two children and a number of people injured and hospitalized and significant UMC property was destroyed. In addition to the lack of response by GMC leaders, they and their followers say that the property is theirs and they have a right to take control even by force. The GMC leadership left The United Methodist Church without following The Book of Discipline and Nigerian law. We are actively pursuing these matters in the courts. We are also calling for a governmental investigation into the GMC’s repeated violence. We call for the prayers and support of United Methodist around the world during this trying time. Through the prayers of many, God has and will to see us through these challenges."

In a following post April 16, Bishop Emmanuel reported:

"Preaching during the funeral service, Rev. Gloria Iliya Dogara delivered a powerful and comforting sermon, urging all United Methodists not to respond to violence with violence. Drawing from the Scriptures and the experiences of the apostles, she reminded the congregation that persecution has always been part of the Church's journey.

“'Let us not allow fear to overtake our faith,' Rev. Dogara declared. 'What happened to our brother Sambo is heartbreaking, but we must not retaliate. The apostles suffered too, yet they looked forward with love and unwavering hope. So must we.'

"She encouraged the congregation to remain steadfast, courageous, and full of love in the face of hostility. 'We must never let darkness define our path. Let us move forward, not with hatred, but with the power of the gospel and the unshakable assurance that justice will come.'”

The Liberian Observer reported April 16 that Liberia UMC Bishop Samuel J. Quire, current president of the College of Bishops of the UMC's West Africa Central Conference, expressed "deep saddened and grave concerns" about Mr. Sambo's death and the ongoing violence in Nigeria.

“As President of the West Africa Central Conference College of Bishops, (we) strongly and unequivocally condemn the use of violence as a means of conflict resolution,” Bishop Quire said in a statement on Tuesday, April 15. “Such actions only lead to further harm, suffering, and division.”

Bishop Quire also called on the Global Methodist Church to allow the “United Methodist Church in Nigeria and elsewhere to freely do the work of God under the laws of the respective state.”

“As followers of Jesus Christ and members of the United Methodist Church family, let's uphold peace, justice, and reconciliation as our core values," Bishop Quire was quoted. "The use of violence to settle ecclesiastical or property disputes is entirely unacceptable and contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ.”