UMCOR Relief
A truck carrying sacks of rice from the United Methodist Committee on Relief is unloaded in the Karim region of northeast Nigeria after a violent clash between indigenous farmers and Fulani herdsmen in which 30 people – 24 of whom were United Methodists – were killed. (Northeast Nigeria Conference Photo)
Northeast Nigeria Annual Conference | June 4, 2025
KARIM LAMIDO, Taraba State, Nigeria – In a bold act of compassion and reconciliation, The United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN) has extended a helping hand to victims of the violent conflict that shook Karim Lamido Local Government Area in May. Relief materials worth ₦31 million (about US $20,000) were distributed to both Fulani herders and indigenous farming communities in Munga Lelau, Jen, Karim, Bambuka, and Kode, bringing much-needed hope and healing.
The violent outbreak between Fulani-herdsmen and indigenous farmers erupted between May 22 and 23, 2025, claiming over 30 lives, the majority of whom were members of The United Methodist Church and Baptist Church. Homes were burned, families displaced, and communities left in fear and mourning following clashes in Munga Lelau, Magami, Bandawa, and Munga Dosso.
Burned Out
Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel visits one of the burned-out homes in the Karim area while leading a humanitarian mission from the United Methodist Committee on Relief to the strife-torn region of northeast Nigeria. (Northeast Nigeria Conference Photo)
Leading the humanitarian mission, Bishop Ande Emmanuel, resident bishop of the Nigeria Area and mission districts of Senegal and Cameroon, condemned the violence and called for peaceful resolution through dialogue.
“We are here not only with food and supplies but with a message of peace. Every life matters. We must recognize the value and sanctity of human life and reject any form of violence. I call on all parties to embrace alternative dispute resolution. Our people must learn to settle differences without shedding blood,” the Bishop said.
The relief materials included rice, maize, guinea corn, beans, cassava flour, palm oil, vegetable oil, wrappers, clothes, soap, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, and detergent—distributed equally among the affected communities, regardless of ethnic or religious identity.
Bishop Emmanuel also issued a firm appeal to the government:
“The Taraba State and Federal Government must wake up to their responsibilities. It is the duty of the state to protect lives and properties. We cannot continue to bury our citizens due to preventable conflicts. Let the government rise to its role as a defender of the people.”
The initiative was welcomed with emotion by representatives from both warring communities. Ardo Garko, a leader of the Fulani-herdsmen, remarked:
“This is unprecedented. The Church has shown that they care for us all—not just one side. We are grateful and pray that this effort will lead to real peace.”
Similarly, Chief Japhet Aliyuda, the traditional ruler of Munga Lelau, expressed hope for reconciliation:
“Our people have suffered deeply, but today we feel seen. We thank the United Methodist Church for not abandoning us in our pain. This is a new beginning.”
Community members turned out in large numbers to receive the aid, with both Christian and Muslim leaders present, symbolizing a collective desire for healing and peace.
In his closing remarks, Bishop Emmanuel prayed for unity:
“Let what happened here today echo across Nigeria—that the Church stands with the people, that love is stronger than hate, and that peace is possible even in the most broken places.”
Click here to see more photos and videos of the relief mission.
This release was written by the communications director for the Northeast Nigeria Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church and distributed via Bishop Ande Emmanuel's Facebook page.