Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06LAGOS278
2006-02-23 17:32:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Consulate Lagos
Cable title:
ONITSHA RIOTS: SECTARIAN VIOLENCE CONTINUES, NO
how-toVZCZCXRO6813 PP RUEHPA DE RUEHOS #0278 0541732 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 231732Z FEB 06 FM AMCONSUL LAGOS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6651 INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHUJA/AMEMBASSY ABUJA PRIORITY 6947
UNCLAS LAGOS 000278
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR AF/W
STATE FOR INR/AA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV CASC NI
SUBJECT: ONITSHA RIOTS: SECTARIAN VIOLENCE CONTINUES, NO
AMCITS HURT
REF: ABUJA 432
UNCLAS LAGOS 000278
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR AF/W
STATE FOR INR/AA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV CASC NI
SUBJECT: ONITSHA RIOTS: SECTARIAN VIOLENCE CONTINUES, NO
AMCITS HURT
REF: ABUJA 432
1. (SBU) In response to the recent disturbances in Maiduguri
(reftel),lethal reprisals occurred in Onitsha and Nnewi,
Anambra State on February 21 and 22. Press reports allege
between 50 to 100 deaths. Nigerian Red Cross Director
Abiodun Orebiyi said his volunteers counted 48 deaths and
over 300 injured. On February 22, five individuals,
including an Amcit were targeted by rioters, but were not
taken hostage or injured. The Amcit is now safe. Sources
stated the violence in Onitsha has subsided.
2. (U) Apparently, the violence in Onitsha was sparked when
the bodies of Anambra State indigenes killed in the Maiduguri
disturbances were returned home, according to Anambra State
Governor Chris Ngige. Onitsha is a large market town,
perhaps the largest in Southeast Nigeria, which is
predominately Christian Igbo. However, a sizable number of
Hausa traders have shops in Onitsha and have lived there for
years. Governor Ngige has imposed a curfew in Onitsha and
other Anambra cities, including Nnewi.
3. (SBU) Orebiyi said the violence in Onitsha has subsided.
4. (SBU) A Canadian High Commission official informed us that
five individuals (Amcit Joseph Fithian, one Canadian, and
three Tunisians) working on a project for Nortel were
accosted on February 22. No one was injured and they were
transported to Aba, Anambra State by Mobile Police.
BROWNE
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR AF/W
STATE FOR INR/AA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV CASC NI
SUBJECT: ONITSHA RIOTS: SECTARIAN VIOLENCE CONTINUES, NO
AMCITS HURT
REF: ABUJA 432
1. (SBU) In response to the recent disturbances in Maiduguri
(reftel),lethal reprisals occurred in Onitsha and Nnewi,
Anambra State on February 21 and 22. Press reports allege
between 50 to 100 deaths. Nigerian Red Cross Director
Abiodun Orebiyi said his volunteers counted 48 deaths and
over 300 injured. On February 22, five individuals,
including an Amcit were targeted by rioters, but were not
taken hostage or injured. The Amcit is now safe. Sources
stated the violence in Onitsha has subsided.
2. (U) Apparently, the violence in Onitsha was sparked when
the bodies of Anambra State indigenes killed in the Maiduguri
disturbances were returned home, according to Anambra State
Governor Chris Ngige. Onitsha is a large market town,
perhaps the largest in Southeast Nigeria, which is
predominately Christian Igbo. However, a sizable number of
Hausa traders have shops in Onitsha and have lived there for
years. Governor Ngige has imposed a curfew in Onitsha and
other Anambra cities, including Nnewi.
3. (SBU) Orebiyi said the violence in Onitsha has subsided.
4. (SBU) A Canadian High Commission official informed us that
five individuals (Amcit Joseph Fithian, one Canadian, and
three Tunisians) working on a project for Nortel were
accosted on February 22. No one was injured and they were
transported to Aba, Anambra State by Mobile Police.
BROWNE