Zimbo Methodist Bishop Arrested in Nigeria Amid Church Dispute
Yola, Nigeria – The ongoing wrangling within the United Methodist Church, Nigeria, has taken a dramatic turn as Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa, hailing from Zimbabwe, was apprehended during his visit to Nigeria.
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Bishop Nhiwatiwa's mission was to facilitate the process of electing a new bishop for the Nigerian branch following the resignation of former Bishop John Wesley Yohanna. However, his arrest in Yola, Adamawa State, has raised concerns and drawn attention from church members and authorities alike.
In a statement released by the church and shared with journalists in Jalingo, Taraba State, the congregation expressed deep sadness over the incident. They urgently called on relevant authorities to intervene and secure Bishop Nhiwatiwa's immediate release.
The circumstances surrounding the arrest remain murky. Despite possessing all necessary documentation, Bishop Nhiwatiwa was detained by Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) operatives. The church suspects that members of a breakaway faction orchestrated the arrest.
Zimbo Methodist Bishop Arrested in Nigeria Amid Church Dispute
This division within the church emerged during an international conference in the United States, where some members voiced support for same-sex marriage. Since then, the church has been factionalized, leading to tensions and legal disputes.
As of this report, the Taraba State Government has taken the extraordinary step of closing all church branches across the state. The move aims to prevent further disruptions and maintain order among members vying for control of church property.
Charles Maijankai, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, emphasized the need to prevent any breakdown of law and order. Plans are allegedly underway to deploy security operatives to apprehend additional church members, including pastors.
Bishop Nhiwatiwa's situation remains precarious. After hours of detention at the Yola Immigration office, he was confined to his hotel under guard. On Saturday, August 24, 2024, he was escorted to Abuja, Nigeria's capital, where he currently awaits further questioning at the Immigration Headquarters.
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An immigration officer, speaking anonymously, stated that only the national headquarters could provide information regarding Bishop Nhiwatiwa's case.
