MONROVIA – Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., President of the West Africa Central Conference and Resident Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, has strongly condemned a violent attack on members of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria that left one person dead and four others seriously wounded.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, by the Office of Bishop Quire, the senior Methodist leader expressed grave concern over the assault, which occurred in the Zailana Dorofai District. According to the Nigeria Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church, members of the Global Methodist Church (GMC), a breakaway faction, allegedly launched an unprovoked invasion of United Methodist property, sparking a confrontation with local members.
The incident resulted in the tragic killing of Alhaji B. Sambo, a devoted church member, husband, and father of three. Critically injured were Mrs. Victoria Bawa Michael, widow of a late pastor, as well as Gideon Hamza, Bolyo Bitrus, and Justice Mani.
Bishop Quire expressed deep sorrow over the incident and described the use of violence as a means of resolving church-related disputes as unacceptable and contrary to Christian values. “I unequivocally condemn the use of violence as a means of resolving conflict. Such actions only inflict pain, deepen divisions, and derail the mission of the Church,” he stated.
He called on the GMC to allow the United Methodist Church in Nigeria and elsewhere to operate freely under the laws of their respective countries. He emphasized that all followers of Jesus Christ must uphold peace, justice, and reconciliation as foundational values.
On behalf of the West Africa Central Conference College of Bishops, Bishop Quire extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and prayed for the healing of those injured. He reaffirmed solidarity with the United Methodist Church in Nigeria and pledged continued prayers for comfort and justice during this difficult time.
The bishop also appealed to the Nigerian government, the international community, the global United Methodist Church, and peace-seeking organizations to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Calling on Nigerian United Methodists not to retaliate, Bishop Quire urged restraint and encouraged the church to respond with peace and remain steadfast in its commitment to love and reconciliation. He assured ongoing prayers for Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel, his family, and the affected church community.
Quoting Romans 12:21, Bishop Quire concluded, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” He reaffirmed the Church’s enduring role as an instrument of peace and an agent of healing in a world often marked by conflict and division.
