Violence between Christian, Muslim villages in central Nigeria kills at least 10 people

JOS, Nigeria – Leaders in two villages in central Nigeria say at least 10 people have been killed in attacks between the Christians and Muslims living there.

The killings began over the weekend between the Jukun people of Plateau state, a Muslim ethnic group, and the Tarok people, who are Christian.

A community leader for the Junkun, Jawka Baba, said late Monday the Tarok burned down homes in his village and killed six people. Jongle Lohbut, a Tarok community leader, said four people were killed by the Jukun.

A military spokesman said he was aware of the fighting between the two groups.

The attacks center around the volatile city of Jos, where thousands have been killed since 1999. Religion, politics, grazing rights and economic power all play a role in the violence.