Reports specific to the burning of the Yahweh Church International could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate. However, religious riots in Kaduna between Muslims and Christians during the month of February 2000 over the introduction of sharia law, resulted in the burning of two Christian churches; a Mosque; and the death of more than 100 people (The Toronto Star 23 Feb. 2000; The Economist 26 Feb. 2000; P.M. News 28 Feb. 2000; DPA 29 Feb. 2000).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA). 29 February 2000. "Nigeria Again Scene of Heavy Clashes Between Christians and Moslems." (NEXIS)

The Economist (New York]. 26 February 2000. "Religious Blood." (NEXIS)

P.M. News [Lagos]. 28 February 2000. Henry Ugbolue. "Nigeria: Fresh Crisis in Kaduna Muslim Attack 2 Churches." (Africa News/NEXIS)

The Toronto Star. Felix Onuah. "Religious Riots Rock Nigeria." (NEXIS)

Additional Sources Consulted

Africa News Bulletin: Political, Social and Cultural Series.

Amnesty International Report 1999-2000.

Country Reports for 1998-1999.

Keesing's Record of World Events.

Resource Centre. Country File. Nigeria.

West Africa.

Search Engines including:

Google

Mamma

Metacrawler

Internet sites including,

Africa News.

Post Express Wired.

Vanguard.