John Shiaondo
The Universal Reformed Christian Church, popularly known as Nongo u Kristu u Ser u Sha Tar (NKST), has expressed worry over the killing of its pastors in some parts of the country, particularly in Taraba state.
The church also condemned the recent disappearance of one of its pastors, Rev. David Orayiman, who it said was on assignment to bail some elders of the church in Takum.
The Synod in a statement after a meeting of the Synod on Friday at Mkar, in Gboko, wondered why their pastors had become targets for gunmen while carrying out their religious duty of evangelisation.
The statement signed by the Rev. E. M. Shir, the NKST General Secretary, revealed that on May 28, 2023, Rev. Orayiman was reportedly attacked by gunmen in Taraba state when he went to bail one of the elders of his Church in Takum local government area.
The statement read in part, “Painfully embarrassing is the fact that we could not even see or recover his body for burial at his home in Benue state. This is the second time an NKST pastor has been murdered in Taraba state with no positive reactions from the authorities of that state.
“Recall that on July 24, 2022, Rev S. T. Maji was ambushed and murdered while returning from church service along Berno Kuruku to Dan Anacha road in Gasol LGA.
“NKST Synod strongly calls upon the State and Federal Governments to take up this matter and recover the body of Rev. Orayiman for burial to bring closure to his demise. This is rather embarrassing and derogatory, a shame to our state and national pride.
“Synod prays for security in the society, the church and nation, especially the new administration of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia and urges President Tinubu to end insecurity in the country.”
In another development, the Synod has resolved to foster responsible evangelism by being faithful to its mission and commission.
