Plateau State adopts measures to ease religious tension

The government of Plateau State in central Nigeria has introduced measures to curb tension which erupted in religious and ethnic violence in its capital city, Jos, early in the month.

The state's governor, Joshua Dariye, announced the measures during a broadcast on Wednesday. They include an end to the practice of blocking roads
leading to mosques and churches on days of worship. The use of loudspeakers and open air preaching in public places have also been prohibited.

Dariye said the measures were based on reports made by security agencies. "Anyone or group that violates these measures will be dealt with," he said. He also announced the setting up of a judicial commission to investigate the causes of the violence, which claimed more than 500 lives and resulted in large-scale destruction of property.

It is widely believed that the violence was sparked when a Christian woman
tried to pass through a road blocked by Muslims during Friday prayers on 7
September.

A total of 270 suspects arrested during the clashes were charged last week for criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, culpable homicide and arson. Silas Bakfur, the presiding judge at the Kabong Upper Area Court, where the suspects were arraigned, adjourned the hearing to 20-23 November and remanded them into custody.