Date Published: 01/19/10

Jos in total darkness ...Suspected Al Quaeda Militia move into Jos

The city of Jos, the Plateau state capital was thrown into total darkness late Tuesday night as the battle between Christians and Muslims enters day two.

Sources told pointblanknews that some that some militia men, adorning military fatigues, have also taken to the streets, despite the 24-hour curfew imposed by the state Government.

It was learnt that the militiamen for hours engaged some soldiers in fierce gun battles in several locations like Dutse Uku and Sabon Fegi suburbs.

Sources resident in Jos also told pointblanknews that some fanatics from across the Plateau state borders , suspected to be Al Quaeda followers, have joined in the fray.

It was however not clear on which sides the militia men were fighting. However, it was gathered that most of them came from across the borders.

It was also leant that some men of the Nigeria Army have not been very objective in dealing with the crisis, as they are being alleged to be backing the Muslims against the Christians.

Meanwhile, it was gathered that the Nasarawa state Government has summoned an emergency security meeting for Wednesday as the violence spills into the neighboring state.

The violence erupted when some Christian youths allegedly protested the building of a mosque in a Christian dominated area of the state.

Accoeding to the Red Cross no fewer that 26 are feared dead, while 3000 have been displaced.