Written question asked by Angus Robertson (Scottish National Party) on Tuesday, 18 May 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 25 May 2004. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 May 2004 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what estimate his Department has made of the numbers of people killed in Nigeria as a result of (a) political, (b) religious and (c) ethnic violence in each year since 1999; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figure and fact that we have expressed concern at the recent conflict in Plateau State in our public statement of 7 May, copy of which together with the EU's statement of violence in Kano of 13 May, has been placed in the Library.

Answer: Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate his Department has made of the numbers of people killed in Nigeria as a result of (a) political, (b) religious and (c) ethnic violence in each year since 1999; and if he will make a statement. [175194] Mr. Mullin: The Nigerian Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution estimates that the total number of deaths from political, ethnic and religious violence between 1999-2003 is not less than 10,000. We have expressed concern at the recent conflict in Plateau State in our public statement of 7 May, a copy of which together with the EU's statement on violence in Kano of 13 May, has been placed in the Library of the House. The British High Commission in Nigeria is in close touch with Federal and State authorities to press for a peaceful resolution to existing conflicts and longer- term reconciliation.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 175194; 421 c1576W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Death Ethnic groups Politics and government Religion Violence Civil disorder Nigeria
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk