More than 40 dead in Jos religious clashes

More than 40 people have been killed in clashes between Christian and Muslim groups in the Nigerian city of Jos, local media reported Saturday.

According to the Tribune newspaper, youths were responsible for the fighting, which has picked up again in recent weeks after a period of calm.

The area has seen heavy clashes between the two communities over the last decade, leaving hundreds dead.

The latest round of violence broke out late Thursday, with gunshots were heard for several hours, witnesses said. Smaller incidents were reported earlier in the week.

Police say some arrests have been made and they urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies working to restore peace.

The government has been trying to engage both communities in a dialogue to end the violence but without much success.

Jos's Catholic Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama told BBC radio this week that he supported negotiations to end the tensions, while a regional Islamic leader, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, said talks between the two sides were needed urgently.

January this year saw near daily incidents, after bombs went off targeting Christians during Christmas.