NIGERIA: Clashes spread in central Nigeria

ABIDJAN, 6 July (IRIN) - Communal clashes involving ethnic groups in the central Nigerian state of Nasarawa have spread to neighbouring Taraba State claiming several lives, news organisations reported on Friday.

A report by the mainly government-owned 'Daily Times', cited by the Reuters news agency, said at least 20 people were killed and more than 25,000 forced from their homes when bands of Fulanis and Jukuns attacked their Tiv neighbours in the Donga local government area.

Fighting broke out in Nasarawa between Tivs and their Hausa-speaking neighbours on 12 June after a leading Hausa traditional ruler was killed by unknown gunmen suspected by his people of being Tivs. More than 200 people have been reported killed and over 35,000 Tivs have fled to nearby Benue State where they form the majority.

Central Nigeria, which is a major agricultural area, has seen heightened tension in recent years borne out of pressure on land by the many ethnic groups that inhabit the region. There are fears that the intensity of fighting there this year may adversely affect food production at a time scarcities are already being reported.