Photo via abuja.ru

Religious riots in Nigeria disrupt ministry; Christians asked to pray

An uneasy calm hangs over the Nigerian city of Bauchi, mainly because the area remains under a dusk-to-dawn curfew. Deadly riots erupted Saturday that left thousands displaced, 14 dead and 100 in the hospital, reports MNN.

Tensions have been on the rise for a couple of weeks now since Pentecostal Christians reportedly barricaded a pathway used by Muslims attending Friday prayers at a nearby mosque.

The Police Commissioner says they've made 30 arrests in connection with the riots. The Red Cross reports extensive property damage to more than 200 houses, six churches and three mosques.

International Christian Concern and Open Doors say there is still concern that sectarian riots could rival the massacres in Jos. According to reports, an Open Doors team was on its way to the region to help victims and investigate what happened.

The spark tht set off several days of rioting is unclear. However, tensions have been running high in Bauchi since November 2008, when more than 300 people died in Jos, Plateau State.

In Bauchi's case, it appears Muslim extremists were targeting Christians, and that has caused ministry in the region to slow.

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TAGS: Nigeria religious riots International Christian Concern Open Doors Muslims Pentecostal Christians

[02/28/2009]

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