Nigeria

Hundreds killed in sectarian clashes following local election

Article published on the 2008-11-29 Latest update 2008-11-30 11:33 TU

Map of Jos in central Nigeria
(Map: Marc Verney/RFI)

Hundreds of people have been killed in clashes between Christians and Muslims in the central Nigerian city of Jos following the results of a local election Thursday. Authorities placed the central the city under a partial curfew, and the police have been ordered to fire on anyone who breaks it.

At least 400 people have been reported dead since violence broke out Friday.

Correspondent Aminu Manu in Jos told RFI he saw “a total number of about 370” dead at the central mosque on Saturday afternoon, and that Christians have been taken to various hospitals.

“There are those that have splintered into the Jos university teaching hospital, the plateau specialist hospital and the evangelist hospital, and these are for Christian community,” said Manu.

“Remains of burnt bodies litter some parts of the town; it is so terrible," said Yakumu Pam, a Christian clergyman.

“At the moment the Jos government has extended the dawn to dawn curfew,” said Manu.

The government announced in a brief statement that President Umaru Yar'Adua had sent in army troops.

“The situation is now relatively calm as the soldiers and the armoured police have taken the streets,” said Manu.

The violence started after a rumour that the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) had lost to the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Thursday’s local election.

The ANPP is seen as a predominantly Muslim party, and the PDP mainly Christian.

Jos saw a week of violence between Christians and Muslims in September 2001 that left hundreds dead.