Taraba State Police Command said it has arrested two pastors and some members of the United Methodist Church of Nigeria/Global Mission Church of Nigeria (UMCN/GMCN) for allegedly violating an executive order banning their religious activities in the state.
Police sources said this followed a reported defiance of the state government’s directive ordering the closure of all UMCN/GMCN church premises.
The order said this should remain so pending the resolution of leadership and security concerns linked to the factional crisis within the denomination.
A police confirmed to Zagazola Makama that the arrests took place at about 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, at Kasuwan Bera in Kofai Ward, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area.
He said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Sunkani Division led personnel to the church premises based on credible intelligence that members of the banned faction were holding 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,” he said.
Reports said matters escalated when one Rev. Beziel Yayuba Yoila and another unidentified pastor arrived at the scene and allegedly incited members to resist the police.
“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,” he said.
Items recovered from the vehicle of Rev. Beziel include a cutlass, a canister of Police Body Guard Tear Gas, and a rearing stick, all of which have been taken into custody for further investigation.
The suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Jalingo for discreet investigation, the source added.
The Taraba State Government had earlier issued an executive order temporarily shutting down all UMCN/GMCN churches due to long standing leadership disputes and concerns over public safety.
