Nigeria violence: counting the cost

Deadly violence flared in Jos in Nigeria over the weekend after the results of state elections were announced.

CMS mission partner Susan Essam, who is based there, kept safe and has sent the following update to quell some of the media reports:

1. The Governor of Plateau State has stated very clearly that no Muslim was killed in a mosque in Jos.  Please pray against the adverse effects of untrue propaganda in the international press.

2. Among the several hundred people arrested are many foreign Muslim mercenaries who were well armed. NB These have killed both Christians and Muslims because, being aliens, they do not know who is who.

3. Government figures last night gave nearly 26,000 displaced persons in 20 camps across the city. This number does not of course include the many homeless who are being cared for by family and friends.

4. The State authorities have begun to get some relief to these persons but the task is big and the need for water, food and medicine is becoming urgent.

5. The State authorities have also begun to clear corpses and debris from the streets.

6. Many people have started to go out and look for food etc but with no banks and little movement into the city both cash and supplies are tight.

7. The situation is therefore easing in one sense but there is still the very real possibiilty of further violence. Please pray that God will wash away anger, rage, retaliation and lust for bloodshed.

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