KANO, Nigeria - Yesterday, riots after the victory of President Goodluck Jonathan€™s re-election resulted in hundreds of protestors needing medical attention because of machete and gunshot wounds, Reuters reports.
The Red Cross reported numerous residents killed, hundreds hurt and thousands driven from their homes during protests that spanned northern Nigeria on Monday after supporters of former army ruler Muhammadu Buhari lost the election. Buhari claims the election was rigged in Jonathan€™s favor.
"This dastardly act is not initiated by any of our supporters and therefore can not be supported by our party," said Buhari in a statement.
Homes, shops, mosques and churches were destroyed during the riots, while Kano and Kaduna hospitals were filled beyond capacity with those seeking medical help.
Nigeria has long had an election history fraught with misconduct and illegal activities, but observers say this poll has been the fairest in years. Nigeria is Africa€™s largest crude oil exporter. Analysts are not sure yet what effect the riots will have on its oil exportation.