Nigerian religious violence leads to death

JOS, Nigeria — Seven persons died and five others suffered injuries in a clash between Muslim nomads and Christian peasant farmers in two villages in northern Nigeria. The Dec. 13 violence occurred when Muslim Fulani nomads allowed their cattle to stray into the fields of Christian farmers, destroying their crops. The violence caused the destruction of houses, food, cash crops and cattle.

“Religious hatred has now become a common feature within our country’s communities,” said Azubuko Udah, Borno state police commissioner. “Every little misunderstanding is now seen in the light of religion.”

In the city of Jos, Plateau state, some 450 people are reportedly standing trial on charges stemming from religious disturbances. The violence has forced nearly a quarter million people into refugee camps across the country, according to the Federal Commission for Refugees. Some 26,000 Nigerians have fled to the neighboring Republic of Cameroon due to Muslim/Christian violence.