Nigeria: hundreds dead in sectarian clashes

The army is patrolling the streets of Jos, in central Nigeria, after four days of violence between Muslims and Christians left hundreds dead. A Muslim charity says it has collected more than 300 bodies that had been brought to local mosques, and fatalities are also expected among Christians. Homes, churches and mosques were put to the torch before troops restored order and imposed a curfew. The Nigerian Red Cross says at least 10,000 people have fled their homes. The violence broke out following contested elections in Plateau state Nov. 26, in which the Christian-backed ruling People’s Democratic Party was declared to have won. The result was challenged by the opposition All Nigeria People’s Party, which has wide support from Muslims. (AlJazeera, Nov. 30; BBC News, Nov. 29)

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