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

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
News
Gunman kills four in Benue village attack

Gunman kills four in Benue village attack
By Zagazola Makama
Atleast four persons were killed during a deadly attack by an armed militia in Afia, Ukum Local Government Area of the state.
Zagazola Makama was informed by intelligence sources that la suspected Tiv militia, popularly known as “Government,” allegedly armed with an AK-47 rifle, stormed his native village and began shooting at residents, moving from one village to another and killing victims at sight.
Troops of the Nigerian army in collaboration with the combined team of 40 operatives from Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Anyam Nyor, support units were immediately deployed to the area to track down the suspect.
Despite the heavy deployment, the suspect reportedly fled the scene and remains at large as of the time of filing this report.
“Efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspect have so far proved abortive, but the search operation is still ongoing,” intelligence sources said.
Security sources confirmed that four villagers lost their lives in the attack, and an investigation has been launched to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
Security forces have assured residents of Ukum and surrounding communities of intensified patrols and enhanced security to forestall further attacks.
Gunman kills four in Benue village attack
News
Police confirmed another killing of livestock, missing herder in Plateau

Police confirmed another killing of livestock, missing herder in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the killing of livestock and the disappearance of a herder following a suspected attack in the Shen Mountain area of the state.
A Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the command received a report around 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday that at about 2:30 a.m., a group of persons believed to be local residents allegedly attacked herders moving cattle through the area.
During the incident, two cows and three rams were reportedly killed, while one of the herders was declared missing.
The police sources said that upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer in Bukuru, Supol Bukuru, led a patrol team to the scene to forestall further breakdown of law and order.
He said that efforts are ongoing to locate the missing herder, while a full investigation has commenced to identify the perpetrators and prevent any escalation.
The command appealed to residents of the area to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies to maintain peace.
Police confirmed another killing of livestock, missing herder in Plateau
News
Young woman found dead in suspected suicide at Life Camp Abuja construction site

Young woman found dead in suspected suicide at Life Camp Abuja construction site
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the death of a young woman, suspected to have committed suicide, at a construction site in CITEC Estate, Life Camp.
Police sources said it received a report from the Chief Security Officer (CSO) at CITEC Estate, the body of the woman was discovered hanging from a container at the site around 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
Following the report, police detectives were immediately dispatched to the scene. Photographs of the body were taken, and there were no visible signs of violence on the deceased.
The body was subsequently transported to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi, where she was confirmed dead by the attending medical doctor. The corpse has been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.
The source said that Police also recovered a mobile phone from the woman’s pocket, although it was password-protected.
Authorities have launched an investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding her death.
Young woman found dead in suspected suicide at Life Camp Abuja construction site
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