FAITH: A Decade of Silence Ends as Gov Kefas Reopens UMCN Church.

By our Correspondent, February 22, 2026.

For ten long years, the doors of the (UMCN) remained shut — its pews empty, its altar silent, and its once vibrant congregation dispersed.

Closed on February 22, 2016, the church stood as a symbol of a painful chapter in the community’s spiritual life. Locked and inaccessible, it became a quiet reminder of unresolved tensions and lost fellowship. For a decade, worshippers could only look at the building from a distance, holding onto hope that one day, its doors would open again.

That hope became reality on February 22, 2026 exactly ten years after its closure as facilitated the reopening of the church, breaking a decade-long hiatus.

The reopening was more than a ceremonial unlocking of doors; it was the restoration of faith, unity, and shared purpose. For members of the congregation, it marked the end of years of uncertainty and the beginning of renewed fellowship.

Observers say the governor’s intervention reflects a commitment to peace-building and reconciliation within communities. By supporting dialogue and fostering understanding among stakeholders, Governor Kefas helped create the atmosphere necessary for the church to resume its spiritual mandate.

For many worshippers, the reopening carried deep emotional significance. Some recalled weddings, baptisms, and thanksgiving services once held within the sanctuary. Others spoke of the spiritual vacuum created during the closure and the resilience of members who continued to pray and believe in restoration.

The date itself February 22 now carries dual meaning: a reminder of a difficult past and a celebration of renewal.

Community leaders and church members have described the development as historic, congratulating the UMCN family for their perseverance and applauding the state government for its role in restoring calm.

As hymns once again echo through the sanctuary, the reopened church stands not only as a place of worship but as a testament to endurance, reconciliation, and the power of leadership to heal long-standing divides.

After ten years of silence, the bells are ringing again and for UMCN, a new chapter has begun.

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Jalingo Times.

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