Police brutality: Clergy condemns attack on worshippers in Taraba
OKERAFOR ATHANATIUS, JALINGO
Rev. Yoti Audu Filiya, Administrative Assistant to the Bishop of the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria (GMCN), John Pena Auta has condemned in strong terms, what he described as unprovoked attack on members of GMCN, ATC/Nukkai charge in Jalingo, Taraba State by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
Rev Yoti Filiya with some GMCN Pastors
In a Press briefing held at the GMCN headquarters, Jalingo, Taraba State, Rev. Filiya said members of the ATC/Nukkai charge of GMCN, Jalingo on Sunday 8th of June, 2025 were attacked during a church service by men of the Nigeria Police Force.
The man of God said the attack disrupted the Church’s regular peaceful Sunday service, forcing members to vacate the Church auditorium.
“The Global Methodist Church in Nigeria is deeply saddened and concerned by the violent unprovoked attack meted on peaceful worshippers of the GMCN, ATC/Nukkai charge by men of Nigeria Police Force to be precise the DPO, Superintendent of Police (SP) Moses Mlumum Agondo of Ardo-Kola local government Division”,
“The Church members were beaten severely and have sustained serious injuries” said Rev. Filiya.
The man of God further disclosed that Mr. Sabo Danlami and two others were shot on their heads with tear gas and are in a critical condition receiving treatment in the hospital while host of other persons were arrested and detained by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Superintendent of Police (SP) Moses Mlumum Agondo at the Nigeria Police headquarters Jalingo.
“We have always cautioned our members to desist from all forms of violence and thuggery in their respectful communities,
“It is on record that our churches and houses belonging to our pastors and members have been under series of attack by some hoodlums and the ceaseless attacks have left many of our members and clergies killed while many others sustained various degree of injuries”,
“Latest in the series is the attack on our peaceful members of the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria, ATC Nukkai charge on Sunday the 8th of June, 2025 under the watch of the Nigeria Police Force”,
It is quite unfortunate that the Police in this regard seems to have deviated from its constitutional responsibilities of giving fair hearing and protecting every Nigerian”, he said.
Condemning the act, the Clergy described it as an act of brutality and conspiracy between the Nigeria Police Force and some hoodlums headed by Rev. Ande Emmanuel.
While expressing the Church’s heartfelt sympathy to the affected victims and families, Rev. Filiya called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 3, Yola and the Taraba State Commissioner of Police(CP) to wade into the matter with the view of finding lasting solution.
