1 February 2010
The army is on the streets of the Nigerian city of Jos after days of inter-religious bloodletting left more than 320 people dead.
They were sent in by the regional government after clashes between Muslim and Christian gangs brought anarchy to the streets.
The army’s presence has restored security and the curfew that was in place has been eased but 18,000 residents remain in 30 displacement camps after fleeing their homes.
A Tearfund spokesman in Nigeria said, ‘Normality is gradually returning to Jos and social and economic activities are picking up.’
Arrests
However he said blankets, medicines, food, clothing, water and cooking utensils are urgently needed by those who have been displaced.
The cause of the violence remains unclear with some reports citing a dispute over a new building, while another says it started following a football match.
The state authorities in Jos, which is in central Nigeria, say 303 people have been arrested and that many of them were involved in violence back in November 2008 which left 400 dead.
• Please pray that peace returns to Jos and that the thousands of people displaced can rebuild their lives.
Pray for the healing of community relations and that leaders exercise wisdom and restraint at this time.