To compound the problem, Nigeria's trade unions are vowing to strike should the states refuse to pay the new minimum wage. Civil conflict persisted in some areas of Nigeria. Fresh fighting in Ife-Modakeke led to several deaths and serious property losses. In Owo, another southwestern city, a chieftancy dispute erupted again resulting in about twenty-six deaths and the destruction of ten homes. Kaduna, the scene of religious and communal riots in February and May, has become tense since the State Assembly announced its intention to proceed with the implementation of Sharia as the state's legal code.
Rumors abound of imminent reprisal attacks.
The government has imposed a dusk to dawn curfew and deployed 9,000 troops to maintain order. People living in that area continue to occupy oil wells belonging to the Shell Oil Company. One hundred and fifty editors, publishers and opinion leaders were trained in Lagos on how to identify and analyze the root causes of conflict, acquire practical skills in conflict mediation and bring the media's power to bear to facilitate conflict management and resolution. Working with the Peace Committee of Oke Ogun in Oyo State, OTI offered training in leadership and strategic planning to a twenty-member peace committee. The participants developed the skills needed to mediate, prevent and manage conflicts.