UN chief appeals for restraint amid more inter-religious strife in Nigeria

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced his concern about the situation in the Nigerian city of Jos, where inter-religious violence has once again taken a deadly toll, and called for all sides to exercise maximum restraint.

Speaking to reporters at UN Headquarters, Mr. Ban called the loss of life resulting from the Christian-Muslim clashes, which reportedly number in the hundreds, “appalling.”

The central Nigerian city witnessed similar clashes in January, as well as in November 2009, with several hundred people being killed and many more being displaced on both occasions.

“Nigeria’s political and religious leaders should work together to address the underlying causes and to achieve a permanent solution to the crisis in Jos,” stated the Secretary-General.

Last week, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban encouraged all Nigerians to continue supporting Acting President Goodluck Jonathan – who was chosen to lead the country while President Umaru Yar’Adua recovers from illness – and the Government in overcoming its current challenges.