Violence Erupts in Jos, Nigeria
Communal violence broke out in the central Nigerian city of Jos on Friday (28 November) after Muslims began attacking Christians on claims of vote-tampering, leaving hundreds dead and thousands fleeing their homes.
After officials reportedly refused to post local council election results on Thursday (27 November) - prompting speculation that a party backed largely by Christians had won - Muslim gangs in the Ali Kazaure area of the city began attacking Christians, according to local residents. Violence along political, ethnic and religious lines followed, with security forces said to be responsible for killing more than 300 Muslims whose bodies were later brought to one mosque.
On Saturday (29 November) officials reportedly announced that the ruling People's Democratic Party, backed mainly by Christians, had won 16 of 17 council seats, defeating the All Nigerian Peoples Party, said to be primarily supported by Muslims.
Muslim militants burned several churches, including that of the Church of Christ in Nigeria in the Sarkin Mangu area of Jos, and its pastor has been confirmed killed.
Several mosques also were reportedly razed.
Plateau Gov. Jonah David Jang said in a radio and television broadcast Friday night that the crisis was pre-planned by disgruntled elements who had schemed to manipulate religious sentiments to create instability in the state.
Please pray for calm.
Pray God will give great wisdom to those in authority.
Ask God to comfort those who are hurt and those mourning the loss of loved ones.
Pray also the Lord will give Christians in the area the strength and grace to overcome this situation and be a great witness for Him.
Source: Compass Direct
Communal violence broke out in the central Nigerian city of Jos on Friday (28 November) after Muslims began attacking Christians on claims of vote-tampering, leaving hundreds dead and thousands fleeing their homes.
After officials reportedly refused to post local council election results on Thursday (27 November) - prompting speculation that a party backed largely by Christians had won - Muslim gangs in the Ali Kazaure area of the city began attacking Christians, according to local residents. Violence along political, ethnic and religious lines followed, with security forces said to be responsible for killing more than 300 Muslims whose bodies were later brought to one mosque.
On Saturday (29 November) officials reportedly announced that the ruling People's Democratic Party, backed mainly by Christians, had won 16 of 17 council seats, defeating the All Nigerian Peoples Party, said to be primarily supported by Muslims.
Muslim militants burned several churches, including that of the Church of Christ in Nigeria in the Sarkin Mangu area of Jos, and its pastor has been confirmed killed.
Several mosques also were reportedly razed.
Plateau Gov. Jonah David Jang said in a radio and television broadcast Friday night that the crisis was pre-planned by disgruntled elements who had schemed to manipulate religious sentiments to create instability in the state.
Please pray for calm.
Pray God will give great wisdom to those in authority.
Ask God to comfort those who are hurt and those mourning the loss of loved ones.
Pray also the Lord will give Christians in the area the strength and grace to overcome this situation and be a great witness for Him.
Source: Compass Direct
