Nigerian Christians flee violence

Jos, Nigeria —  Nearly 3,000 people have fled to a neighboring state since hundreds were slaughtered in several mostly Christian villages over the weekend, aid officials said Thursday.

Residents have accused the Nigerian police and military of failing to provide adequate security to the villages in Plateau state, where attackers managed to violate a dusk-to-dawn curfew.

Police said they had arrested about 200 people.

On Thursday, thousands of women took to the streets, singing and waving branches, a traditional sign of protest. They also carried Bibles and crosses made of scrap lumber. One held a sign, “God hears when we cry. Just be warned.”

Gov. Jonah Jang, who leads the Christian-dominated state government, declared the next three days a period of fasting and mourning for the dead.

At least 200 people, most Christians, were slain Sunday, according to residents, aid groups and journalists. The victims included dozens of children. In January, more than 300 people were killed, most of them Muslims.