It is estimated that more than 200 people — including women, children and babies — were brutally murdered in violence in the Nigerian city of Jos last week.
As is often the case, the reasons for the killings lie in a complex and volatile mix of ethic and religious divisions and fierce competition for basic resources. Most of those killed lived in predominantly Christian villages. An earlier attack near Jos in January left an estimated 300, mainly Muslims, dead.
Whatever reasons are dug up to explain or justify these murders, they are not good enough. The killers must be brought to book and punished to the full extent of the law.
It is necessary that the forces of law and order and justice are seen to be swiftly at work. Nigerian police have said that 49 people will be charged with murder, according to reports. This action will serve as a deterrence to those who are contemplating revenge and those plotting further acts of violence. While the social and economic reasons for the violence must be dealt with, the relevant authorities must provide effective security and firm justice to stop the killings now.
