Violence in Nigeria between Christians and Muslims has a long history - it has been happening on a regular basis since the early 1980's. In the last 10 years however it has been occurring in Jos, which has surprised many because Jos in particular and Plateau State in general were always regarded as a safe Christian stronghold that would not be affected by such violence. Many church denominations, mission agencies and Christian NGOs are headquartered in Jos. Therefore it is particularly concerning for Christians to see the increased violence in Jos and surrounding areas.
The series of crises in Jos has to do with the underlying issue of the ownership of Jos. The Muslim Hausa-Fulani settlers, who have been here for a very long time, are seeking control especially in those areas of Jos, such as Jos North local government area where they feel they are in the majority. However the other Jos North ethnic groups, the majority of whom are Christian, claim to be the historical custodians of Jos and, at least currently, hold the Chief position. There is ongoing tension over this issue, and when violence has erupted it has quickly developed into a Christian-Muslim conflict.

The first major crisis in September 2001, although overshadowed by the twin towers attacks in the USA, led to many deaths. It began when a Christian was appointed to the chairmanship of a poverty reduction program in Jos North Local Government area, replacing the original Muslim appointee. This led to much discontent. A woman crossing the road during Friday prayers outside a mosque led to a disagreement which in this volatile environment in turn led to escalation of violence initially against Christians followed by reprisal attacks.

In November 2008 the trigger for the violence centred on Jos North local government elections. When a Berom man was elected to the Chairmanship of Jos North Local Government the Hausa-Fulani were not happy. What followed was burning of churches, killing of Christians and looting of their property. This once again led to reprisal attacks by Christians.

In January 2010 the violence was triggered initially by a dispute following a misunderstanding over a building being re-constructed after the 2008 crisis. There were attacks and counter-attacks once again resulting in many churches being burnt, many lives lost, and again many Christians engaged in retaliatory acts and many Muslim people were adversely affected as well.

The attacks on Dogo Nahawa and 2 other villages outside of Jos on 7th March this year were by Hausa-Fulani tribesman in retaliation over some earlier attacks in the January crisis. The incident was absolutely horrific in that many people, reportedly up to 500, a large number of them women and children, were the victims of brutal and savage machete attacks and much international media coverage resulted. Since that date there have been ongoing isolated incidents where people were killed, though in much smaller numbers. Tension still exists along with ongoing fear and distrust. Although the curfew has been lifted, this does not necessarily mean peace has returned to Jos.

Efforts are being made at reconciliation with some success, but since some of the underlying political, economic and social issues remain unresolved this has limited potential.

Many are praying and we hope you will join us.