Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - The Islamist group Boko Haram claimed the killing of Sunday, July 8th in Jos, capital of central-eastern Nigerian state of Plateau, during the funerals of some of the 63 victims of the massacre of 7 July in Barkin Ladi. In the massacre, 22 people were killed, among them was a Federal Senator Gyang Dantong and the majority leader in Parliament of Plateau State, Gyang Fulani.
As stated to Fides Agency by His Exc. Mgr. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama Archbishop of Jos and President of the Episcopal Conference of Nigeria (see Fides 09/07/2012), the massacre of July 7 was caused by the clash between Fulani population of breeders mostly Muslim, and the Birom, Christian farmers.
An interpretation considered valid by the local authorities.
The following massacre in the cemetery Barkin-Ladi is now claimed by Boko Haram.
According to local authorities, the victims of this second massacre of ethnic Birom are Christians, including two politicians. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 10/7/2012)
