24-Hour Curfew in Jos & Bukuru Extended

Clashes between Christians and Muslims resumed in Jos on 19 January 2010, prompting authorities to extend a citywide 24-hour curfew. The curfew has also been extended to Bukuru, a small town on the outskirts of Jos. Residents were ordered to remain indoors while security forces tried to restore order. All flights to the city were also suspended in response to the violence. Police officers had previously installed roadblocks and performed searches on individuals in an attempt to quell the unrest. Despite the curfew, witnesses have reported hearing gunfire in several locations beginning at 0400 local time. Local officials would not disclose the possible number of casualties, though one source estimates that at least 22 people have been killed and more than 300 have been injured since the fighting broke out on 17 January.