Muslims mark 200 years in Empire in Nigeria.

Nigeria (MNN)–Nigeria’s Muslim community celebrated the 200th anniversary of a holy war this week that launched the sub-Sahara’s greatest Islamic empire.

Tensions are at an all-time high between Muslims and Christians, in light of deadly riots two weeks ago. Leaders called for an end to religious violence that has killed thousands. President Olusegun Obasanjo condemned all culpritsfor the rising bloodshed in the nation’s modern day holy wars.

Open Doors says religious conflict has escalated dramatically since 12 northern states imposed Sharia on local populations.

Sectarian violence broke out two weeks ago in the town of Numan, resulting in nine deaths. Places of worship belonging to both faiths were destroyed in the clash.

This particular conflict resulted from the building of a mosque too near the city’s Lutheran cathedral. It was also the one-year anniversary of the murder of a Christian preacher in the town.

It has also made evangelistic work more complicated. Pray for those in ministry.