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EYN President Demands Arrest of Sheikh Jingir Over Religious Hate Speech, Calls for Release of Abducted Schoolchildren

The President of EYN – Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, Rev. Daniel Y. C. Mbaya, PhD, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take legal action against Islamic clerics Sheikh Yahaya Jingir and Sheikh Ahmad Gumi over statements he described as inflammatory, unacceptable and capable of promoting religious hatred in Nigeria.
Rev. Mbaya made the call during the ordination of Evangelist Friday Nanbol and Evangelist Daniel Saleh as probationary ministers of EYN.

The two evangelists were unable to participate in the ordination conducted on March 25, 2026, during the 79th General Church Council, known as the 79th Majalisa, and were subsequently ordained during a separate ceremony.

The EYN President strongly condemned a statement attributed to Sheikh Yahaya Jingir that Nigeria is a Muslim country and that a Muslim-Muslim ticket was intended to demonstrate to Christians that they are a minority.

Rev. Mbaya described the reported statement as “careless, unacceptable and hate speech” and called on the Federal Government to investigate the remarks and take appropriate legal action.

“As a President, we reject and condemn in strong terms the speech by Sheikh Yahaya Jingir,” he said.
He also referenced statements attributed to Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, urging the government to address what he described as inflammatory religious rhetoric.
Rev. Mbaya said Christians are peaceful citizens who have contributed to Nigeria’s development and urged religious leaders not to teach their followers, particularly children, to hate people of other faiths.

“Christians are peaceful people in Nigeria. We contribute to the growth of the nation,” he said.

Call for release of abducted schoolchildren

The EYN President also appealed to President Tinubu to intensify efforts to secure the release of schoolchildren abducted from M***a and Lassa.

He urged the Federal Government to ensure that every Nigerian abducted by criminal groups receives equal attention and protection.

Rev. Mbaya pointed to the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo as evidence that concerted government action can secure the freedom of those still in captivity.

He called on President Tinubu to make the release of the abducted M***a and Lassa schoolchildren a priority.

He also urged presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala and other government officials to exercise caution when making public statements on sensitive security and religious issues.

“Biyyaya Domin Ci Gaba” guides EYN’s 2026 activities

Speaking on the life and mission of the church, Rev. Mbaya expressed appreciation to EYN members for their continued participation in national church programmes.

He encouraged members to remain committed to the church and respond whenever called upon to participate in national activities.

The emphasis comes under EYN’s 2026 theme, “Biyyaya Domin Ci Gaba,” which provides the spiritual and organisational focus for the church’s activities during the year.

The President also called on members to increase their financial and practical support for Brethren University, describing it as a major EYN project that has come to stay

He further disclosed that Brethren Radio and Television is expected to commence broadcasting soon, describing the initiative as an important development in the church’s media ministry.

Rev. Eli Samuel challenges ministers to embrace God’s calling

The sermon at the ordination was delivered by Rev. Eli Samuel, Secretary of the Ministers Council, who based his message on Jeremiah 1:4–10 and Jeremiah 29:11–12.

Rev. Samuel described pastoral ministry as a royal service and warned against entering ministry without a genuine calling from God.

He said every call from God carries a divine assignment and that those called must understand that their ministry is not primarily for themselves, their families, clans or tribes, but for God’s purpose and the service of His people.

Drawing from the calling of the prophet Jeremiah, Rev. Samuel encouraged the two ministers not to allow their limitations or difficult circumstances to prevent them from accepting God’s assignment.

He urged them to remain faithful to God’s promises and be ready whenever they are called upon to undertake new responsibilities.

Rev. Samuel said ministers are called to work before honour, stressing that recognition should follow faithful service rather than become the motivation for entering ministry.

He prayed that the newly ordained ministers would demonstrate good character, wisdom and a strong life of prayer.

He also reminded them that they had been consecrated for the needs of God’s people and encouraged them and their spouses to work together in fulfilling their ministry responsibilities.

The newly ordained probationary ministers are Evangelist Daniel Saleh, together with his wife Charity, and Evangelist Friday Nanbol, together with his wife Anna.

Source: EYN news





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