Muslims, Christians Clash on Islamic Law

Rioting Muslim and Christian youths seized parts of the northern Nigerian city of Kaduna in clashes over a proposal to bring Islamic law to Kaduna state. More than 20 people were killed, witnesses said. The violence began when hundreds of Christian demonstrators marched through the streets chanting “No to Sharia! No to Sharia!” Counter-chants by Muslims who support Sharia, or Islamic law--which has been proposed for the state--quickly degenerated into fighting between the two groups, said the witnesses, who spoke by telephone on condition of anonymity. By the afternoon, the two sides had gained control of different neighborhoods and divided the state capital into warring zones. Bonfires raged throughout the city.