A personal update from Jos, Nigeria
A parishioner of Kilkeel Parish, 22 year old Samantha Seed arrived in Jos last week as the fighting was taking hold. After an 8 month spell in the country a couple of years ago, Samantha is beginning a two year tour with Mission Africa. At the weekend she emailed home with news of her situation:
"Thanks for your prayers I know many of you have heard about the trouble that was in Jos since I have arrived in Nigeria so thanks for the prayers. Those who have not heard, fighting between the Muslims and the Christians in Jos started on Sunday with it being at its worst on Tuesday when I arrived in the country. Things have quietened down now with a very heavy military presence around and curfew hours in place. I am safe and the compound I am living on is very secure.
Please pray for peace in Jos though there is no fighting at the minute it is unstable.
Pray for those who have lost family, those who have lost their homes and possessions and those who have lost their livelihood. I got a message from one of the teachers that was part of my Holiday school in August 2008 and he has lost all his property. So please pray for him."
Samantha
Nigerian authorities have relaxed the 24-hour curfew in the central city of Jos, where fighting between Muslims and Christians has left hundreds dead.
Officials said easing the curfew would allow people to find food and water and those displaced to return home.
(Source BBC news)