Conflicts between nomadic pastoralists and settled farmers competing for land are common in the region.
Forty-six people were killed after the armed attack in a rural village in north-central Nigerialocal government officials said.
The attack took place on Wednesday in Umogidi community in Benue state, where clashes between nomadic herdsmen and settled farmers competing for land are common in the area.
“The 46 bodies were located and recovered. Many people are still missing, so the death toll could be higher.”Paul Heba, security adviser to the Benue state governor, said on Friday.
“Soldiers have been sent to the area so the situation is a bit calm now”he added.
The motive for the attack is not clearbut Benue is one of the states worst hit by clashes between farmers and herdsmen, who are accused of destroying their farmland with their grazing cattle.
Bala Ejeh, chairman of Otukpo town local government in Benue, said the gunmen attacked on Wednesday afternoon when people were mourning three others who were killed a day earlier. He said 46 bodies have been recovered so far, including his son and two relatives.
Source :Skai
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