Why Zimbabwean Bishop's Arrest in Nigeria Signals a Deepening Crisis in United Methodist Church

The crisis within the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Nigeria has taken a new and troubling turn with the arrest of Zimbabwean Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa in Yola, Adamawa State. Bishop Nhiwatiwa, who had traveled to Nigeria to facilitate the election of a new bishop following the resignation of former Bishop John Wesley Yohanna, was detained by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) on August 23, 2024.

The United Methodist Church in Nigeria, already embroiled in internal conflicts, particularly over the contentious issue of same-sex marriage, has been thrown into further disarray by this incident. In a statement released on Sunday in Jalingo, Taraba State, the church expressed deep concern over Bishop Nhiwatiwa's arrest and urged the relevant authorities to secure his immediate release. The statement, signed by Pastor Salisu Waziri, suggested that the bishop's arrest was orchestrated by members of a breakaway faction within the church.

Despite possessing all necessary travel documents, Bishop Nhiwatiwa was detained by immigration officers in Yola, where he was scheduled to meet with the Southern Nigerian Annual Conference of the UMC. After being held for several hours, he was placed under guard at his hotel before being transferred to the NIS headquarters in Abuja the following day.

The internal strife within the UMC has led to serious tensions, prompting the Taraba State Government to temporarily close all UMC branches in the state. According to Charles Maijankai, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, this measure was taken to prevent violence as church members and pastors vie for control of church properties.

Reports indicate that more arrests may be imminent as security forces have allegedly been mobilized to target additional church members and pastors.

An NIS officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the bishop's detention but stated that only the national headquarters could provide further information.

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