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Nigerian Archbishop: “Text Messages could Incite Violence”

Anonymous messages spreading panic and inciting new violence are being sent to cell phones of citizens of Jos, Central Nigeria where in recent days there have been serious clashes that have claimed hundreds of lives, reports CISA.

“Anonymous cell phone threats are spreading fear that will incite further violence,” Archbishop of Jos has told Fides.

Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama of Jos says, "The situation over the past few days is quieter, but the city's citizens continue to receive anonymous [threatening] messages on their cell phones.”

“I fear that this may be part of a strategy aimed at extending the violence in the city of Jos, as these messages can be forwarded by the frightened citizens to their relatives and acquaintances in other parts of Nigeria," Archbishop Kaigama told Fides.

Despite the threats, on January 24, the city's churches were full of faithful according to the bishop.

"Because of the curfew, which has been reduced, we had to organize only one celebration in each church. The faithful gathered in prayer, in defiance of fear,” the archbishop of Jos said.

"I went to the Church of St. Michael to encourage the faithful, who were still frightened by the false reports on the destruction of their parish, to try to bring them serenity and establish a peaceful climate, so as to restore peace in our city," said Archbishop Kaigama.

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TAGS: Nigeria Jos violence cell phone threats Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama persecution

[01/28/2010]

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