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Muslim youths burn churches, bars over eclipse

    ABIDJAN

    Muslim youths went on the rampage in the northern Nigerian city of Maiduguri on Tuesday after sighting the lunar eclipse, burning down several churches and bars, AFP reported.

    It quoted state officials as saying that hundreds of youths had gathered to pray after sighting the eclipse, which they interpreted as a consequence of widespread sins. Then they became uncontrollable attacking churches and bars, and forcing non-Muslims to flee to a military barrack.

    Tension between Muslims and non-Muslims has been high in Nigeria’s mainly Islamic north since several states in the region adopted the strict Sharia legal system. These laws forbid the sale and consumption of alcohol as well as outlaws prostitution.

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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