The Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Otukpo, Archdiocese of Benue, has condemned the incessant killings of farmers by armed herders in the state and called on the government to intensify efforts to curb the situation.
This call was made in a communiqué issued at the end of the Church’s 44th Diocesan Annual Synod, held at the Norcross Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Otukpo, Benue State and made available to The Voice on Thursday.
The Synod, which had the theme “He will rise again” (John 11:23), appealed to the government to uphold the anti-open grazing law to prevent clashes between farmers and herders in the state. The communiqué, signed by the Synod Secretary, Very Rev’d J.F. Ochoche, and the Diocesan Bishop and Archbishop of Benue, Most Rev’d J.Y. Ngbede, thanked God for the successful Synod and prayed for the resurrection of those who have died in the nation, state, and church.
The Synod encouraged Methodist faithful to maintain their ethical standards and desist from emulating others. It also congratulated the Governor of Benue State, Rev’d Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on the prompt payment of salaries and developmental strides across the state.
On the state of the nation, the gathering expressed concern over the unstable economy, insecurity, corruption, unemployment, and general poverty. The church called for unity among leaders and the led across all levels of government and the church, believing that this would foster good development.
