At least 40 people, including a policeman, have been killed in clashes between herders and farmers in central Nigeria.
Sources said the violence erupted on Friday when nomads attacked a village called Ubeni Gida in Nasarawa state, leading to the loss of lives and burning of houses. The fighting follows weeks of tensions between the two groups.
The crises first occurred on the sixth of December, Nasarawa state police commissioner Shehu Babalola said. “It was calmed down by the intervention of men of my command but it recurred on Friday resulting in the death of over forty resident of the community” Mr. Babalola said.
Following the Clash about 2000 villagers have fled their homes and are now seeking refuge in neighbouring villages. Mr. Babalola said anti-riot policemen and army personnel were brought in to quell the crisis and the situation has been brought under control while police has made several arrest.
The governor of the state, Aliyu Akwe Doma has ordered to tighten security in the area.
Clashes between Fulani, who are famous for herding cattle, and Hausa ethnic group over grazing fields is common in central Nigeria.
