Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lagos (Fides Service)- “It is not true that other Nigerians hate Catholics” Archbishop Renzo Fratini papal nuncio in Nigeria said after some media reported that Catholics were being targeted by Muslim extremists.
“There has been tension between Muslims and Christians, not only Catholics, but the present violence has little to do with religion and is more about political exploitation of divisions in Nigerian society for some personal gain” the nuncio explained.
“Protest against the cartoons is only a cover up. From Europe people might easily see these episodes in Nigeria in the context of similar riots in other countries. But it is necessary to be familiar with the specific context of Nigeria” Archbishop Fratini said.
“In fact” the nuncio said “the demonstrations which turned into violence were called not only to protest against the cartoons but also to oppose an amendment to the Constitution which would allow president Olusegun Obasanjo to aim for a third mandate in 2007”.
“On the other hands events in other countries do have a certain impact on the situation in Nigeria fanning existing tension” the nuncio concluded.
After the violence in Maiduguri (see Fides 20 February 2006) there were riots in Bauchi, 250 km south of Maiduguri, which, according to local media left at least 10 people dead. It began as an argument between a teacher and a pupil over the confiscation of a Koran in school. But rumours swept the city that the book had been desecrated and that was the cue for youths, some armed with machetes, to rampage in the streets. Local Church sources can give no precise number with regard to how many people were killed. Because of the violence Bauchi diocese has decided to cancel a retreat which was to be given by Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama of Jos. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 21/2/2006 righe 32 parole 389)
