Nigeria (MNN) — An uneasy calm
hangs over the Nigerian city of Bauchi, mainly because the area remains under a
dusk-to-dawn curfew. Deadly riots erupted Saturday that left thousands
displaced, 14 dead and 100 in the hospital.
Tensions have been on the rise
for a couple of weeks now since Pentecostal Christians reportedly barricaded a
pathway used by Muslims attending Friday prayers at a nearby mosque.
The Police Commissioner says they've
made 30 arrests in connection with the riots.
The Red Cross reports extensive property damage to more than 200 houses, six churches
and three mosques.
International Christian Concern
and Open Doors say there is still concern that sectarian riots could rival the
massacres in Jos. According to reports,
an Open Doors team was on its way to the region to help victims and investigate
what happened.
The spark tht set off several
days of rioting is unclear. However, tensions
have been running high in Bauchi since November 2008, when more than 300 people
died in Jos, Plateau State.
In Bauchi's case, it appears
Muslim extremists were targeting Christians, and that has caused ministry in
the region to slow. Pray boldness and
wisdom for the Christians.
