Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kano (Fides Service)-“The situation in Kanu is tense. The curfew in force until yesterday was lifted this morning but people are still afraid to leave their homes although police and army troop patrol the streets” local church sources in Kano told Fides. Over the last few days Kanu, in northern Nigeria, has been the scene of episodes of violence and Muslims have attacked Christians and Christian places of worship. According to Fides sources at least one Catholic church and adjoining parish centre has been torched by Muslim extremists and “very probably other churches and homes”.
“We know that many people were injured but not the exact number. It is difficult to have a clear picture of what is happening since it is not safe to leave the house. Groups of armed extremists have been seen in three other districts of the city. Yesterday, 11 May, rioters attacked the university destroying several campus buildings ” the local sources told Fides.
Violence in Kano follows on violence in Plateau state central Nigeria earlier this month in which at least 200 were killed in clashes between Muslim Fulani herdsmen and Christian Tarok farmers (see Fides 6 and 11 May 2004). Christian extremists are said to have slaughtered Muslim herdsmen. “ Attacking the Christian community in Kanu Muslims claim they are taking revenge for the violence against Muslims in Plateau” the sources told Fides. Armed with machetes and knives the aggressors stopped cars looking for Christians and made people recite Muslim prayers to prove their identity.
Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on all Nigerians to remain calm and urged Muslim leaders to calm their people. “I ask you to stop our Muslim brothers because an eye for an eye will and a tooth for a tooth only cause our country drown in blood ” the President told Muslim leaders.
About 10,000 Nigerians have perished in tribal and religious clashes since 1999. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 12/5/2004, righe 29 parole 349)
