Ethnic violence leaves 30 dead in central Nigeria

Violence linked to an ongoing ethnic dispute over access to land has
flared up again in central Nigeria, claiming the lives of at least 30
people, a governor's spokesman said on Wednesday. No arrests have been
made.
An ethnic dispute over land in central Nigeria that has repeatedly
flared up in the pasthas led to an attack that left houses burnt and
at least 30 people dead, a governor's spokesman said Wednesday.
"At least 30 people were confirmed killed," Cletus Akwaya, spokesman
for the governor of Benue state, told AFP, saying herdsmen from
themainly Muslim Fulani ethnic group attacked a community ofTivs, who
are mostly Christian, on Sunday and Monday.
He said no arrests had been made following the violence in the central
town of Yogbo, which is near the border with neighbouring Nassarawa
state.
Violence has flared numerous times in the area, with the dispute
believed to be primarilyover access to land. The Fulanis, who are
mainly Muslim,are mostly herdsmen, while Tivs in the area tend to be
Christian farmers.
Previous attempts to end the conflict have failed.
Nigeria's 160 million population includes some 250 ethnic groups and
communal clashes break out regularly.