US embassy cable - 02ABUJA1350

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