The city of Jos in the middle belt of Nigeria was tragically hit by bombs on 20 and 24 May 2014. Although the attacks did not discriminate between Muslim and Christian, or Fulani and Berom (the main ethnic groups in Jos), there are growing fears of increased sectarian tensions and youth gang violence. As local reactions form, community cohesion will be essential in preventing reprisal attacks.
Over the past year, Conciliation Resources has been supporting the Centre for Peace Advancement in Nigeria (CEPAN) Youth Peace for Platforms project in Jos, that strengthens relationships by reintegrating at-risk youths and ex-gang members into thier communities.
Early signs of the Youth Platforms’ impact could be seen in the aftermath of the recent bomb attacks in Jos, when Muslim and Christian youth came together to support the Red Cross, the police and others in assisting the victims and evacuating the debris.
In reaction to the blasts, Conciliation Resources partners' in the region, the Plateau Peace Practitioners Network have released a press statement. This gives further details of the attacks and urges for the people of Jos to react by rallying around victims, rather than cause greater hardship through violent reprisals.
In addition, Conciliation Resources has released an editorial on The Guardian website on the importance of youth to lasting peace in Nigeria.
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