Local government elections took place in Jos on Thurs Nov 27, but before the results were announced, in what looks like a planned assault, early on Friday bands from the Hausa community, many with guns, some in fake Army uniforms, took to the streets in three days of killing and burning. 

 

Many people, including the Government security forces  seem to have been taken by surprise. Many lives have been lost on all sides. Churches and mosques as well as many shops, homes and vehicles have been burned. Pastors seem to have been a target and several have been killed. At time of going to print, Jos is still under partial curfew,  but is beginning to cool down, though in some areas tension remains high.

 

All the Mission Africa staff in Jos are safe and well.

 

Please pray for Jos in the aftermath of the riots, that peace would return and that there would be just retribution for those who committed criminal acts; pray that the hands of those who seek peace, reconciliation and reconstruction would be strengthened.