Release International

Militants have set off nail bombs at TV viewing centres in Jos, Nigeria. Three bombs went off on December 10 at centres in Christian areas where people gathered to watch a Spanish football match on cable TV.

Joshua Dabo, aged 35, was killed when one of the bombs exploded close to his head. Ten others were injured – four are said to be in a critical condition.

The home-made bombs, which contained nails, were constructed from sheet roofing and held together with car body filler.

Esther Matthew was watching the football match at one of the viewing centres when the bomb went off shortly after 10pm. She said: 'There was lightning, followed by an explosion. The next thing I noticed people around me were bleeding.'

Jos in Plateau State straddles the mainly Christian south and the predominantly Muslim north. Bomb attacks there have become more frequent, beginning with a blast on Christmas Eve last year, carried out by Islamic militants. Violence has claimed more than 1,000 lives in and around Jos in recent years.

The attacks appear to be intended to destabilise the area and stir up religious conflict. As they grow more commonplace Release partner Stefanos Foundation warns: 'Almost every family is now touched by tragedy. The situation seems to be getting out of hand. A state of anarchy is feared. ' However, Stefanos adds: 'We are still hopeful that the situation can be averted and call for prayer for Nigeria.'

For more news and a country profile about Nigeria, click here

(Sources: Stefanos Foundation, AFP)

• Please pray for those injured in the latest bomb blasts in Jos, and for those grieving the loss of Joshua Dabo.
• Pray also that Christians will exercise restraint and forgiveness, and will not seek revenge.

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