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EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree 

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EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree 

By: Balami  Lazarus 

One man with a Holy Bible forcefully tried in an attempt to disjoint and change the course of history of the 100-year centenary celebration of EYN-CCBN in Nigeria. What is the rationale for “celebring 100 years of existence at two different locations”?  Likes of one Rev. Joel Billi, who lacks a sense of history, if given the chance, will turn historical events and their marks upside-down and inside-out to create different versions and interpretations. 

Men are subjects of history and have always neglected the importance of their footprints in the place of history, failing to realize that their activities could be a topic of history in discourse. The tempest raised by Rev. Billi at the wake of the 100-year centenary celebration of Ekklesiya Yan’uwa a Nigeriya, Church of Brethren in Nigeria (EYN– CBN ) was alarming, dire, appalling, and hair-rraising that shook the church founded over 100 years ago: March 1923, to March 17th, 2024 (101 years) as of now.

As an observer of the events, I write not only in support of one Mr. Yohanna Yusufu Balami (YY Balami), as he is known. His book, “Emerging Issues and Concerns: The 76th EYN General Church Council (Majelisa),” 2023. Has brought to light the deliberate distortion and near-death of the history of EYN Church in Nigeria. Rev. Joel, the President of EYN-CCBN was at the peak of this urgly and unhealthy situation that nearly consumed EYN as a Christian organization with her churches and members. 

Looking at the issues from a historical perspective, considering the fact that Rev. Billi has discredited the true and correct source of a living history from his actions in the aftermath of the church centenary celebration to mark its 100 years of existence at Garkida, where it first started in 1923,. He began this by using the privileges of his official capacity as President of EYN-CCBN to change the course of the living history of the church that first appeared in Ladin Gabas’ northeastern Nigeria, where it was planted precisely on March 17, 1923, under a living tamarind tree at Garkida in Adamawa State by two white, humble missionaries, Rev. Stover Kulp and Dr. Albert Helser.

The news of circumventing the centenary celebration has turned the entire church council into confusion; clerics and members were disturbed by this eruption. With repeated rejection of Rev. Stephen Billi intentions that lack merit with no justification, only but to distort and change the history of origin, date, and site bore out of selfishness wrapped in greed, ethnic and monetary capitalization on the gainers chart, nurtured and promoted by him.

The concerned elders of the church and other high-profile personalities from the region, Rev. Joel, refused to shift ground, and of course darkness fell that came with a thick smell of breakup rearing its head among her many church branches. He was near achieving this feat through the disunity he created, powered, and sponsored through his throng of’vultures’  for the sole purpose of personal interest by tempering with the history of 100 years. Rev. Billi has technically distorted the church history of Nigeria.

In spite of the historical relics—tombs and plagues—on and under the living Tamarind Tree, individuals like Rev. Billi have had the guts to dare see such glaring evidence of church history long before he was born. “All other places the EYN missionaries went to were on different dates after March 17, 1923. Kwarhi was not there and has no significant attachment to its history dating back to 100 years.

The 17th of March 1923 will always and forever remain our Founders Day in Garkida under the blessed Tamarind Tree, making it our spiritual headquarterss.”  My individual concern is the near collapse of the church and the damage to the rich history of EYN-CCBN. The question on the lips of members is: What has March 15, 2023, to do with the coming of Rev. Stover Kulp and Dr. Albert Helser? I put it to Rev. Joel Stephen Billi that this is but a broad-day robbery of EYN history. However, the cries of members and some well-meaning individuals in the public have helped to water down his intentions, which might have caused catastrophe for the entire EYN Church. I believe such will and shall not happen again in EYN-CBN as a church.

Balami, a publisher and columnist.

EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree 

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Crime

Sokoto: Armed Bandits Repelled; Stray Bullet Kills Villager

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Sokoto: Armed Bandits Repelled; Stray Bullet Kills Villager

By: Zagazola Makama

A group of approximately 90 armed bandits, riding on motorcycles, attempted to attack Tozai village in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State on March 31, 2025.

The bandits were confronted by a combined team of Military and Police forces, which engaged them in a gunfight, forcing the assailants to retreat.

Unfortunately, during the exchange of fire, a stray bullet from the bandits struck 35-year-old Sule Ummaru, a resident of Tozai village, who was attempting to escape the scene. He was rushed to General Hospital Isa but later succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

Security forces have continued patrols in the area to ensure further safety and deter any future attacks.

Sokoto: Armed Bandits Repelled; Stray Bullet Kills Villager

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Armed Men Go on Rampage in Edo, Attack National Park Security Post and Destroy Property Following Hunter’s Death

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Armed Men Go on Rampage in Edo, Attack National Park Security Post and Destroy Property Following Hunter’s Death

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed men reportedly went on a rampage in Edo State, attacking a security post at the National Party and destroying several properties in retaliation for the death of a local hunter, Timi Jimoh.

The body of the deceased hunter, Jimoh, was found with a single barrel gun nearby and signs of violence and burns on his body.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on March 31, 2025, when a group of armed individuals, believed to be Ijaw youths from Inikorogha, launched a violent attack on a security post near Okomu National Park.

The group, armed with dangerous weapons, destroyed various properties, including houses, mattresses, doors, windows, plantain crops, and a water tank. This act of destruction came in response to the death of Jimoh, who was found dead on March 29, 2025, with visible signs of violence on his body.

The security outfit was targeted by the attackers in a bid for revenge. Despite the chaos, the armed group fled the scene before law enforcement could intervene.

A Police sources said that the authorities have yet to determine the full circumstances surrounding his death, and investigations are ongoing.

According to him, the property destruction has been documented and investigations are underway to track down those responsible.

Armed Men Go on Rampage in Edo, Attack National Park Security Post and Destroy Property Following Hunter’s Death

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National Unity, Peaceful Coexistence Must Be Our Gift To One Another – VP Shettima

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National Unity, Peaceful Coexistence Must Be Our Gift To One Another - VP Shettima

National Unity, Peaceful Coexistence Must Be Our Gift To One Another – VP Shettima

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians to embrace unity, peaceful coexistence, and tolerance as key pillars for national progress, drawing from the lessons of Ramadan.

The Vice President also called on everyone to support the administration’s ongoing economic reforms, assuring that short-term difficulties would yield long-term benefits for the country.

Speaking on Monday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, during a luncheon with Borno State elders and his schoolmates in celebration of Eid-El-Fitr, the Vice President, who spoke through the member representing Maiduguri Metropolitan Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulkadir Rahis, said there was a need for continued harmony among citizens.

“We thank the Almighty Allah for sparing our lives to witness this Eid-El-Fitr. I wish to also say that we should all perfect, maintain, and build on the sense of unity that exists among us for our collective gain and progress as a gift for one another.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to implementing policies that will create sustainable development for all Nigerians. Just as Ramadan teaches endurance, we ask for your continued patience as these necessary reforms take root and bear fruit,” he said.

The Vice President, who arrived in his home state on Sunday evening, urged Nigerians to continue embodying the spiritual lessons gained during Ramadan as a pathway to national development.

“Peaceful coexistence is very important and we should not relent in maintaining that virtue. It will go a long way in bringing about the development of ourselves and the nation,” he said.

VP Shettima enjoined the citizens of Borno State and Nigerians in general to always maintain traits of humility and communal living in line with the teachings of the Holy books, values he described as foundational to national progress.

Also speaking, Senator representing Borno Central Senatorial District, Kaka Shehu Lawan, SAN, prayed for lasting peace in Nigeria.

He urged Nigerians to rally round President Tinubu as the father of the nation, stressing that the President needs the prayers and support of Nigerians, as he implements the good policies he has for the improvement of the economy and overall development of Nigeria.

The Senator urged his constituents to imbibe the attributes of Vice President Kashim Shettima, saying, “His Excellency the Vice President is an epitome of leadership, sacrifice, resilience, integrity, perseverance and above all courage.

“So, I will like my constituents and indeed people of Borno State and Nigerians at large to emulate his virtues. He is a leader and we are proud of his achievements.”

The lawmaker thanked the Vice President for hosting his schoolmates and elders of Borno State in his usual magnanimity and demonstration of love.

“In his usual show of love every festive period, the Vice President extends hands of fellowship to all and sundry from Maiduguri Metropolitan Council to Borno Central District and by extension the entire state” he said.

Also, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security,Senator Abubakar Kyari, commended the Vice President for his show of love, especially to the needy, despite his tight schedule.

“When he is in Abuja, his schedule is overwhelming, yet he always finds time for his people. Seeing the joyful faces of his classmates, elders, and other guests at this event is a testament to his character,” Kyari noted.
The Agric Minister said the Vice President’s humility has endeared him to his people, adding that he is a man of good character and extreme humility.

Earlier, Chairman of the Borno State Elders Forum, Alhaji Gambo Gubio, expressed appreciation for the Vice President’s hospitality and assured him of continued prayers for success in his duties.

Among the dignitaries present were the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijjani, and several of VP Shettima’s former classmates and neighbours in Maiduguri.
End

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