Church Threatens Self-Defense Amid Kidnappings and Banditry in Taraba

The Southern Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Taraba State has vowed to resort to self-defense if both the federal and state governments fail to ensure the immediate release of their members from kidnappers and end banditry activities in the area.

This bold declaration comes after the recent abduction of 24 people, including a second-class chief of Kwanji, his daughter, two senior pastors, in Yorro Local Government Area of the state on December 19, 2023.

The church claims to have paid N11 million in ransom for their members, but the bandits released only Muslim victims in their custody.

The UMC is calling on both the federal and Taraba state governments to act fast to end this ugly incident and ensure the release of their pastors and 14 others.

The church has also expressed concerns about the targeting of Christians in the area and has demanded that both traditional rulers and political office holders, past and present, in the area come out clear with proof that their hands are clean.

The Taraba State Police Command has confirmed the killing of 10 Christians in Takum and Ussa counties on November 24, 2023, while residents have reported the deaths of 20 Christians in Ussa County and the Yangtu Special Development Area near Takum.

In response to the church’s press conference, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Joseph Eribo, told journalists that the command has already mapped out strategies to flush out bandits, not only in the Yorro local government but the state at large.

Eribo appealed for calm and the provision of useful information to the police to ease the plan of action against kidnappers.

This situation in Taraba State is a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by many Nigerian communities and the need for swift and decisive action to protect the lives and well-being of all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations.