The United Methodist Church in Nigeria is in turmoil following the arrest of Zimbabwean Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa. Nhiwatiwa was detained in Yola, Adamawa State, and later transferred to the Nigerian Immigration Service headquarters in Abuja.
He was in Nigeria to facilitate the election of a new bishop after the resignation of John Wesley Yohanna.
The church has expressed concern over the arrest, attributing it to alleged interference by a breakaway faction. Despite Nhiwatiwa having all necessary documents, the church believes his detention is politically motivated.
The situation has escalated to the closure of all church branches in Taraba State to prevent further unrest. Security forces might arrest additional church members as the conflict over church property continues.