Violence in Nigeria continues between Christians and Muslims.

Nigeria (MNN)–Nigeria’s Kano state is still reeling from several days of violence between Christians and Muslims.

The aftermath of the fighting has a death toll near 600 and nearly 30-thousand refugees. The violence in Kano began with a Muslim march to protest the killings of hundreds of Muslims by members of a Christian ethnic militia earlier this month in the central town of Yelwa.

Leaders in the affected areas are looking at calling a state of emergency to help restore calm. President Olusegun Obasanjo, a Christian and a former military junta leader, ordered security agencies to put a permanent end to the violence.

Nigeria’s population of 130 million is roughly split between Muslims and Christians. At least 6,000 people have been killed in religious violence in northern Nigeria since democracy returned in 1999.

Believers are under increased scrutiny during this time. Mission agencies in the area are keeping a low profile. Pray for those involved in outreach.