After 14 Years: Court Orders Re-opening of Jalingo Church Amid Emotional Reconciliation

 

​A significant chapter in the religious history of Taraba State has reached a monumental turning point. On February 18, 2026, a court order officially paved the way for the re-opening of a major church in Jalingo that had been shut down for 14 years due to a prolonged and bitter internal crisis. This landmark decision marks the end of a decade-long struggle for worshippers who have had to endure harsh weather conditions in makeshift shelters, all while waiting for justice and peace to return to their sanctuary.

​The Long Road to Justice: The 14-Year Shutdown

​The crisis within the United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN) began over a decade ago, specifically rooted in leadership disputes and episcopal election disagreements in 2012. For 14 years, the doors of the iconic Jatutu Memorial Cathedral in Magami, Jalingo, remained padlocked. The closure wasn't just a physical barrier; it represented a deep fracture within the community that led to multiple court cases, social unrest, and a split that eventually birthed the Global Methodist Church (GMC) faction.

​Throughout this period, the Taraba State Government had previously issued executive orders to seal several branches of the church to prevent violence. However, the latest court ruling acknowledges a successful Deed of Reconciliation signed by church leaders, effectively ending the litigation that kept the gates closed for over a decade.

​Governor Agbu Kefas and the Reconciliation Move

​The re-opening of the Jalingo church is not just a legal victory but a political one as well. Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has been a central figure in brokering peace between the warring factions. Following the court's directive, the state government formally conveyed its approval for worship services to resume.

​In a move symbolic of total peace, the Governor has been invited to attend a Resumption Thanksgiving Service scheduled for February 22, 2026. This service is expected to bring together both the UMCN and GMC factions, serving as a public display of unity after 14 years of division.

​Key Details of the Church Re-opening:

• ​Church Name: Jatutu Memorial Cathedral (UMCN/GMC).
• ​Location: Magami, Jalingo, Taraba State.
• ​Duration of Closure: 14 Years (since 2012).
• ​Scheduled Resumption Date: February 22, 2026.
• ​Legal Catalyst: Taraba High Court order and a signed Deed of Reconciliation.

​The Impact on Worshippers and the Community

​For the members of the church, the re-opening is an emotional relief. For 14 years, "The Jatutu Memorial" was a ghost of its former self. Worshippers were forced to gather in temporary tents, exposed to the rain and the scorching sun of Jalingo.

​The court-ordered re-opening is expected to:

1. ​Restore Fellowship: Bring back thousands of members who were scattered during the crisis.
2. ​Economic Revival: The cathedral area in Magami often hosted local traders and events; its re-opening will boost local economic activity.
3. ​Security Stability: By resolving the legal dispute over property ownership, the risk of violent clashes between factions is significantly reduced.

​Legal and Denominational Implications

​The battle for the Jalingo church was a complex legal "tug-of-war" between the United Methodist Church (UMC) and the newly formed Global Methodist Church (GMC). While the court has ordered the re-opening, it emphasizes a spirit of "shared space" and reconciliation.

​The Resident Bishop, Ande Emmanuel, has hailed the move as a victory for God, while leaders from the Global Methodist faction have urged members to maintain restraint and follow the "peace map" laid out by the court and the state government. The court's decision serves as a legal precedent for resolving similar denominational property disputes across Nigeria.

​Conclusion: A New Era for Taraba's Religious Community

​The re-opening of the Jatutu Memorial Cathedral is a testament to the power of dialogue and the necessity of a fair judicial system. As the bells of the Jalingo church prepare to ring for the first time in 14 years, the story serves as a reminder that no conflict is too deep to be resolved through reconciliation.

​For the people of Taraba, February 2026 will be remembered as the month the padlocks finally fell, and the songs of worship returned to the heart of Jalingo.