NIGERIA: Red Cross seeks help for IDPs

ABIDJAN, 2 July (IRIN) - The Nigerian Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross have called for urgent assistance for thousands of people displaced by more than two weeks of communal violence in Nasarawa State, central Nigeria, the Panafrican News Agency reported on Saturday. "The challenges on the ground call for the co-operation and support of everyone in the country," PANA quoted the groups as saying in a joint statement.

It is estimated that more than 200 people have been killed and over 50,000 displaced since communal clashes broke out on 12 June between Tivs and their Hausa-speaking Azara neighbours. The fighting followed the killing by unknown gunmen of a prominent Hausa traditional ruler and members of his entourage. His people blamed Tivs and carried out revenge killings, forcing many to flee to nearby Benue State, where Tivs are in the majority.