Cablegate: Nigeria: Political Rally Turns Violent in Jos

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS ABUJA 001350

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PINS ASEC CASC NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: POLITICAL RALLY TURNS VIOLENT IN JOS

1.(U) At approximately 16:15 on May 2, CONSOFF received a
report of a riot in Jos from AMCIT living in the area.
According to the AMCIT a violent disturbance broke out at a
PDP rally in northern Jos, close to the State capital's
University. Authorities responded quickly to the violence;
nonetheless, the fighting escalated. Houses and vehicles were
set ablaze and shots were fired. While fleeing the scene,
the AMCIT counted at least 6 dead. He also observed hundreds
of youths (presumably Muslim by their attire) moving toward
the riot from the Eastern part of the city. However, by the
time of his call, it appeared that calm had been restored.

2. (U) The following warden message was distributed by Post:

A serious disturbance occurred in the Uni-Jos area of Jos
early this afternoon. (2 May). We have reports of burning
houses and cars as well as some casualties. A large military
or police presence is said to be on the scene. We urge all
American Citizens traveling to Jos to reconsider this travel
as the violence may erupt again in the near term. We urge
all American Citizens living in Jos to avoid real and
potential areas of conflict and to stay indoors until the
conflict subsides. Even after the violence ends, Jos may be
unsettled and we urge all American citizens to exercise
particular caution until the situation in Jos is stabilized.

JETER

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