Jos Ignites As Many Die In Religious Riots

IMAGE CREDIT: REUTERS

San Francisco Jan 17, (THEWILL) – The city of Jos in Plateau State on Sunday recorded another religious clash between Christian and Muslim groups. At least twelve persons were killed in new clashes, a year after hundreds were killed in similar disturbances.

In response to the violence, state authorities have imposed a night-time curfew between 6.p.m and 6.am to ease tensions and calm nerves.

THEWILL investigation revealed that the violence erupted after disagreements between the two groups on the rebuilding of homes destroyed in the November 2008 violence.

There are reports that about twenty persons may have been killed but Reuters is reporting that at least twelve bodies were counted at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital and a mosque in the city.

Plateau police Commissioner could not give an accurate casualty figure but confirmed that police have arrested thirty-five persons.

“I cannot give casualty figures now until my men complete their full investigation. Thirty-five people were arrested, he told Reuters.

The violence has so far been contained and confined to one neighbourhood.

Jos, a once peaceful town in the middle belt of Plateau State has almost the same number of Christians and Muslims. In November 2008, violence broke out in the entire city after disputes in an election. Hundreds were killed in that clash.