A church service turned chaotic in Abuja on Sunday as police fired tear gas to disperse feuding members of the United Methodist Church, Durumi. The unrest broke out over disagreements regarding the adoption of practices allegedly imposed by the church’s parent body in the United States—practices which some members claim are incompatible with Christian culture in Nigeria.
The tension escalated when a faction of the church elders demanded that the Nigerian branch sever ties with the American headquarters and establish an independent identity. However, other elders, backed by the presiding pastor, opposed the move, leading to a fierce confrontation during the service.
Eyewitnesses reported that the pastor declared his intention to seek a court injunction to prevent the breakaway, a statement that further inflamed tensions. What began as heated arguments quickly descended into physical altercations, prompting the intervention of the FCT police.
Upon arrival, police officers attempted to mediate but were forced to fire tear gas when the situation spiraled out of control. Several church elders were detained for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident.
FCT Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident, adding that the Command’s CP, Benneth Igweh, has summoned the church elders for further dialogue to prevent a recurrence.
The clash highlights deepening divisions within the church community, reflecting broader cultural and ideological tensions between local religious practices and foreign influences.
