Jos violence sparks concerns

Published: 01 December, 2008

POLITICS

Violent clashes in the Nigerian city of Jos in Plateau State, in November have heightened concerns over the country’s ethnic and religious divide. Sparked by a political dispute over vote-rigging in a local election, fighting between the city’s Muslim and Christian populations killed at least 400 people.

Opposition groups have since called for the resignation of Plateau State governor David Jang, while President Umaru Yar’Adua has reportedly intervened to stop the planned inauguration of the winners in the controversial election.

In nearby Kano State tanks were deployed on the streets of the state capital amid fears that clashes might spread to neighbouring cities. Gabriel Suswan, the governor of Benue State, has ordered the evacuation of 3,000 of its natives that are resident in Jos.

The incident is the most recent case of religious and ethnic violence in Nigeria “middle-belt,” where the country’s large Muslim and Christian populations meet. Thousands have died in such clashes since 2000.

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