Saturday, November 29, 2008

Muslim-Christian Clashes In Nigerian City Following State Elections

BBC News today reports that in the Nigerian city of Jos, hundreds of people have been killed in clashes between Muslims and Christians. Jos is the capital of the state of Plateau. The violence followed state elections in which the Christian-backed People's Democratic Party won over the Muslim-backed All Nigeria People's Party. The results are being contested amid reports of election irregularities. Violence, including burning of homes, churches and mosques, began Thursday night. Plateau has a history of religious clashes between indigenous Christians and more recently arrived Hausa-speaking Muslims.