Muslim Fanatics Destroy Eighteen Churches

(Compass) -- More than 2000 Muslims attacked 18 churches on Saturday, December 18, in central Nigeria, destroying property worth $40 million. One associate pastor narrowly escaped with his life. Although no one was killed, the residents of Ilorin city fear that the incident may trigger a serious religious conflict. One pastor described the attack as "satanic." He promised reprisals from Christians if nothing is done to check the excesses of the Muslim extremists in the city. For some time now, Christians and Muslims in Ilorin city have disputed the location of church buildings in the city. Muslim leaders claim that there are parts of Ilorin where churches should not be allowed, and advocate a ban on the sale of land to Christians so that they can't build churches or homes. In September 1999, local Christian leadership implored the government of Kwara state to act quickly to "protect Christians from the wicked ones." The situation in Ilorin is still very tense.