Three members of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Nigeria have reportedly died during clashes with the Global Methodist Church of Nigeria (GMCN) following disagreements on same-sex relationships.
Among the victims were 27-year-old Elisha Masoyi, a member of the UMC – which supports same-sex relationships, and two children aged four and two.
The children died after huts in the surrounding area were set on fire as the violence escalated.
Both denominations had their churches in Munga Dosso shut down by the authorities in an effort to de-escalate tensions.
Gunfire reportedly broke out at a United Methodist Church in the Northeast Conference, where Masoyi was shot and killed. Ten other church members were injured during the clashes.
The violence follows the UMC’s decision earlier this year to allow same-sex relationships within its denomination, a move opposed by the GMCN, a conservative breakaway group.
UMC bishops condemned the killings, stating: “We are outraged that such an atrocity would occur among Christians.”
They called for justice, unity, and peace, urging the GMCN to seek accountability for the lives lost.
The GMCN, in a separate statement, expressed sorrow over the incident and suggested the unrest was sparked by “an unknown person whose aim was to provoke hostility.”
They also appealed to the Munga Dosso community to prioritise peace and reconciliation.
Authorities and church leaders are continuing to investigate the incident while calling for calm among members of both denominations.