CHRISTIANS in northern Nigeria have said that inaccurate reporting of riots in Jos at the weekend could fuel further Muslim violence against them. The worst sectarian violence in recent years claimed around 400 lives, a figure which the Bishop of Jos, the Rt Revd Ben Kwashi, said was likely to rise.<\/p>\n
Confusion surrounds the events. First reports in the international media said that the attacks on businesses and homes, which began in the early hours of Friday morning, were the result of spontaneous post-election violence after electoral workers failed to post ballot results. The ruling People\u2019s Democratic Party, perceived to be mainly Chris\u00c2\u00adtian, defeated the All Nigerian People\u2019s Party.<\/p>\n
Later reports of \u201cChristian-Muslim clashes\u201d\u009d appeared to suggest that Christians had killed 300 Muslims. The rioting was then said to have expanded along religious and ethnic lines. It became clear, how\u00c2\u00adever, that the rioters had been well prepared and heavily armed, and that many were wearing fake military or police uniforms.<\/p>\n