Nigerians this week buried the victims of a massacre near the central city of Jos. Many of the pre­dominantly Christian villagers who were killed were women and children.

Mechanical excavators were used to prepare mass graves for those who had been killed in three villages in the small hours of Sunday morning. Reported numbers of dead varied between 100 and 500.

Residents of the village of Dogo Nahawa, about 15 km south of Jos, say that herders from hills near by had attacked their village, shooting into the air before using machetes to cut down those who came out of their homes, one report said.

The Archbishop of Jos, the Most Revd Benjamin Kwashi, wrote in a pastoral letter that the attacks showed a new dimension, “revealing a system of well-trained terror groups. . . God knows which com­mun­ity will be next. Their merciless precision and fearlessness should give any government serious con­cern.”

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Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Anglican Provinces • Church of Nigeria • * Culture-Watch • Violence • * Religion News & Commentary • Other Faiths • Islam • Muslim-Christian relations

1. Pageantmaster wrote: This is just dreadful in a civilised Commonwealth country.  Prayers for the end of the seizing up of government and the safety of the church and people in Jos. March 13, 6:43 am | [comment link]

2. Albany+ wrote: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Thank God for this holy Bishop.  May the Lord continue to direct his heart and comfort the people of Jos. March 13, 4:33 pm | [comment link]

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