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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
Troops Repel Bandit Attack in Katsina, Pursue Fleeing Suspects
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have successfully repelled an attack by armed bandits who invaded Sabon Layi and Kakumi villages, firing sporadically, in an attempt to terrorize residents.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on Friday, prompting an immediate response from combined troops comprising Nigerian Army, personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF)and vigilant group in Kankara Local Government Area.
The troops engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat with varying degrees of injuries.
No casualties were recorded among the security forces or civilians.
Troops Repel Bandit Attack in Katsina, Pursue Fleeing Suspects
Special Forces Troops Intercept Terrorists Planting IEDs in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Special Forces Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have intercepted terrorists attempting to plant Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along a strategic route in Gando Forest, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops, operating under Operation TSAFTA DAJI III Phase 3, launched an ambush when they encountered a group of terrorists laying IEDs.
On sighting the advancing troops, the terrorists fled into the forest under the cover of darkness, abandoning their explosives and equipment.
Recovered items include: One motorcycle, Three 25-litre jerrycans filled with IED components, 300 meters of sapper cable, one DET 33 electric detonator and one hoe used for planting explosives.
The Nigerian military has continued to maintain an aggressive posture against terrorists and criminal elements in Zamfara State, with Operation FANSAN YANMA and Operation TSAFTA DAJI III targeting bandit strongholds across Anka, Bagega, and Bukkuyum axis.
Special Forces Troops Intercept Terrorists Planting IEDs in Zamfara
Notorious Bandit Leader Kachalla Dogo Wise Killed in Zamfara Rival Clash
By Zagazola Makama
A violent clash between rival bandit factions has resulted in the killing of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Dogo Wise in Zamfara State, sources familiar with the incident have confirmed to Zagazola Makama.
According to the source Dogo Wise was killed by another bandit commander, Kachalla Sa’idu Kanin Na Eka, following a dispute over ransom money. The deadly confrontation occurred at Dutsin Daru, Maradun Local Government Area.
Security sources revealed that the conflict erupted after Kachalla Dogo Wise allegedly seized ransom money that was meant for Kachalla Sa’idu Kanin Na Eka. The money was reportedly delivered by families of kidnapped victims, but Wise took full possession of it, refusing to share it with Kanin Na Eka.
Feeling betrayed, Kachalla Sa’idu Kanin Na Eka ambushed and killed Dogo Wise in retaliation, a move that has heightened tensions within the criminal underworld in Zamfara State.
“These bandits have no loyalty among themselves. When money is involved, they turn against each other. Dogo Wise made the mistake of crossing Sa’idu Kanin Na Eka, and it cost him his life.” sad the sources.
Meanwhile, following Dogo Wise’s killing, another powerful bandit leader, Kachalla Jimmu Sumoli, has vowed to avenge his death.
Jimmu Sumoli, a feared commander operating in Zamfara and parts of Sokoto State, reportedly declared that he would retaliate against Sa’idu Kanin Na Eka and his followers.
Source in Maradun LGA confirmed that Sumoli’s men have already begun mobilizing for a possible counterattack,
Implications for Security in Zamfara
The killing of Kachalla Dogo Wise adds to the growing infighting among bandit factions in the North-West, a trend that could weaken their operational strength but also trigger more brutal retaliatory attacks.
“While their internal conflicts reduce their cohesion, it also makes them more unpredictable and dangerous. We are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further violence spilling into communities.” said a military sources.
Notorious Bandit Leader Kachalla Dogo Wise Killed in Zamfara Rival Clash
Troops Repel Bandit Attack in Katsina, Pursue Fleeing Suspects
Special Forces Troops Intercept Terrorists Planting IEDs in Zamfara
Notorious Bandit Leader Kachalla Dogo Wise Killed in Zamfara Rival Clash
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