“We Are a Peace Church Under Attack” — EYN President Tells NCPC in a courtesy Meeting with the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Rt. Rev. Stephen Tunde Adegbite in Abuja
Abuja, May 5, 2026 — Emotional moments unfolded at the headquarters of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission in Abuja as the President of EYN – Church of the Brethren in Nigeria Rev. Daniel Y. C. Mbaya, PhD, presented a passionate address detailing the continued attacks on EYN communities across Northeast Nigeria.
During a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Rt. Rev. Stephen Tunde Adegbite, the EYN President submitted a written speech and detailed report documenting the impact of the 2026 attacks on church members, congregations, and communities.
The atmosphere became solemn as the church leader described EYN as a peace-loving Christian body that has suffered years of violence despite its commitment to nonviolence and reconciliation.
“EYN belongs to the church family that are called the Historic Peace Churches which by doctrine are pacifists rejecting all violence and war,” the President stated in the address.
He explained that EYN’s core values include “the sanctity of human life, humility, simple life, peace and nonviolence, integrity, justice and equity, accountability and transparency.”
‘One of the Worst Hit Churches’
The President told the Commission that EYN has remained one of the churches most devastated by insurgency and terrorist violence in Nigeria’s Northeast region.
“Due to our location, we are the church that had been worse hit by the activities of Boko Haram Islamic Fundamentalist insurgency and terror attacks since 2009,” he said.
The report presented during the meeting highlighted renewed attacks recorded in 2026, including killings, displacement of families, destruction of communities, and attacks on church properties in Adamawa and Borno States.
The EYN President noted that many affected members are still living in fear and uncertainty as insecurity continues to spread across rural communities.
A Church Built on Peace and Service
While briefing the Commission about the church’s history, the President explained that EYN was founded on March 17, 1923, by American missionaries Herold Stover Kulp and Albert Helser of the Church of the Brethren in the United States.
According to him, the missionaries introduced a holistic gospel approach focused on medical work, education, agriculture, and evangelism.
He further stated that EYN has grown into a major Christian denomination with more than 2.5 million members, mainly across Northeast Nigeria, with branches extending into Cameroon, Togo, and Niger Republic.
“Our identity is a Bible believing congregational peace church, committed to the priesthood of all believers and holistic gospel,” the address read.
Appeal for National Attention
The EYN President used the meeting to appeal for stronger attention to the humanitarian crisis facing affected communities.
He emphasized the need for protection of vulnerable populations, support for displaced persons, and deliberate efforts toward peacebuilding in troubled areas.
The visit also aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between EYN and the Commission while drawing national attention to the plight of Christian communities affected by insecurity.
Despite years of attacks and displacement, the church reaffirmed its commitment to peace, reconciliation, humanitarian service, and spiritual growth.
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Learn more about the Church of the Brethren http://brethren.org
