To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Nigeria on violence in the vicinity of Jos; (322102)

We condemn the appalling recent violence in the vicinity of the city of Jos, and call for the Government of Nigeria to ensure those responsible for crimes are prosecuted, and to address the underlying issues behind the violence.

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not recently discussed violence in Jos with the Government of Nigeria, nor representatives of the Christian community there. I raised our concerns with Chief Ojo Maduekwe, the Nigerian Foreign Minister on 15 March. Our High Commissioner in Abuja and senior Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials have discussed the issue at Ministerial level, including with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on 8 March as well as with representatives of the Christian community, including Catholic Archbishop Kaigama of Jos and Archbishop Onaiyekan of Abuja. Our High Commission also remains in touch with Anglican Archbishop Kwashi of Jos.