Red Cross: 5,000 in nothern Nigeria displaced after violence between Christians, Muslims
By APMonday, January 18, 2010
5,000 displaced after violence in northern Nigeria
JOS, Nigeria — The Red Cross says violence between Christians and Muslims in the city of Jos in northern Nigeria has displaced 5,000 people and left 69 others injured.
Jos-based Red Cross official Auwal Muhammad Madobi says rioters burned down churches, mosques and homes during the attacks Sunday. On Monday, police and soldiers manned road blocks and conducted searches on those traveling through the city.
A local police spokesman said the city was calm Monday. He said officials began collecting bodies from the streets and hospitals, but could not say how many were killed in the violence. Witnesses said Sunday night that they saw 10 bodies in a local mosque.
In 2008, two days of religious violence in Jos left more than 300 people dead.
