§ Mr. ReedTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received concerning attacks on the Christian population in Kaduna, Nigeria. [125734]
§ Mr. HainWe monitor closely the religious tensions in Kaduna and elsewhere in Nigeria. Following a demonstration against the possible imposition of the Sharia penal code, violent riots broke out in Kaduna in February. Christians and Muslims burned each others' properties, businesses and places of worship. An estimated 500 people, both Christian and Muslim, were killed. The violence spread to southern Nigeria where around 500 people, mostly Muslims, died.
Violence flared up again in Kaduna in May, in which it is reported that about 200 people died. The reason for this outbreak of violence is not clear.
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§ Mr. ReedTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions his Department has had with the President of Nigeria concerning the attacks on Christians in Nigeria. [125733]
§ Mr. HainWe are monitoring closely the religious tensions in Nigeria, which have led to the deaths of hundreds of Christians and Muslims. I have expressed my deep concern to the Nigerian authorities. Our High Commission in Abuja is in regular contact with the local and Federal authorities, and with leaders of both communities. We welcome their efforts to diffuse tension and work towards reconciliation.