Lagos, Nigeria - A Christian family of eight and three others were killed Sunday by suspected Muslim youths in Nigeria's volatile city of Jos, capital of northern Plateau state which has been in the throes of ethno-religious crisis for some time, the local Nation newspaper reported Monday.

The killings, in which the victims were either shot or hacked to death with machetes, took place at Heipang in the Barkin Ladi council area of the state, where Christians and Muslims have clashed incessantly.

The victims were identified as the head of the family, Mr. Chollom Gyang, his wife and six children, including a three-year-old boy.

The Chairman of the council, Mr. Emmanuel Loman, was quoted as saying it was the second time in as many months that a family would be wiped out by assailants.

'Now our people have been pushed to the wall...If our youths go on rampage, nobody should blame us,' he said.

Sunday's killings are the latest since last week, when suspected Christian youths attacked a Muslim procession during Sallah players. Since then, dozens have been killed in tit-for-tat attacks.

Meanwhile, the military task force deployed to the state to help keep the peace has directed soldiers to shoot on sight any person carrying on using arms on others in jos.

The order was contained in a statement issued Sunday by the spokesman for the task force, Capt. Charles Ekeocha.

'The STF (Special Task Force) is now mandated to use all the necessary force within its powers on anybody carrying and using arms or dangerous weapons on another person,' the statement said.

Pana 05/09/2011