On Sunday, police from the FCT Command used tear gas to disperse members of the United Methodist Church in Durumi, Abuja, after a violent altercation broke out. The conflict arose due to disagreements over the introduction of practices from the parent church in America, which some members considered alien to their Christian culture.
The tension escalated when factions within the church clashed over whether to break away from the American parent church. Some elders strongly opposed the new practices and pushed for a separation, while others, including the presiding pastor, were against the split. The disagreement led to a fight during the church service, prompting the police to intervene.
Eyewitnesses reported that the police initially attempted to calm the situation, but when the conflict intensified, they resorted to firing tear gas to disperse the feuding members. Several church elders were detained for questioning as the police began their investigation into the incident.
FCT Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the event and stated that the Command’s CP, Benneth Igweh, has summoned all involved elders for further inquiry.
Hyelsinta Hassan