The Crisis in Nigeria

With each passing week, it seems that the crisis in Nigeria continues to escalate. Last weekend, an estimated 400+ people were killed after members of a machete-wielding Muslim group attacked a mostly Christian town south of the city of Jos. Some authorities believe the weekend slaughter was a revenge attack for the killing of around 150 members of the Hausa Muslim community by Christian mobs in Kuru Karama, south of Jos, in January 2010.

As tensions escalate, people are aware that what can be considered small skirmishes could erupt into a major conflict.

In September 2001, simmering tension erupted into violence leading to the deaths of 1,000 Christians and Muslims after what seemed to be a relatively minor incident. In February 2004, allegations of cattle theft led to the murder of around 700 Muslims and Christians in the city of Yelwa. Again in November 2008, several hundred more people of both religions were killed after disputed local elections in Jos. Aside from religious tensions, the ethnic groups are fighting for land, resources, job and opportunities in a region stricken by poverty. Authorities say that economic difficulties are exacerbating past tensions.

The Nigerian government has issued a red alert for the region amid fears of revenge attacks and calls for justice by the United Nations and Human Rights Watch. Meanwhile, the crisis continues.