Release International

A mob burnt down eight churches and several Christian shops – apparently to vent their frustration over the unrelated death of a Muslim tractor driver.

The attack on Christian properties in Kazaure city, Jigawa state, followed news that a Muslim had died after allegedly being chased and assaulted by police for a traffic offence.

A mob which had gathered around a Kazaure police station to protest against the man's death on February 21 was chased away by police. Furious, the mob allegedly took out their frustration on an easy target: nearby churches and Christian businesses.

Human rights group International Christian Concern reports that tensions between Muslims and Christians in Kazaure have been high since clashes in Jos, Plateau state, in January, when more than 300 people died (Prayer Alert, February 2, 2010).

The Emir of Kazaure, state officials and police authorities have condemned the attack on the Christian community in this northern Sharia state.

(Sources: BBC, International Christian Concern)

• Pray for the Christians whose properties and churches have been destroyed.
• Pray the authorities will do their utmost to ease inter-faith tensions in Kazaure.

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