Dozens killed in Nigeria clash

By Adam Abu Bashal

ABUJA

Twenty-three people, including two Nigerian soldiers, were killed Thursday in a clash between an armed group and the Nigerian army in the country's northwest.

Army spokesperson Brigadier General Texas Chukwu said the incident occurred in Zamfara state.

The soldiers had been sent to prevent a clash between shepherds and farmers in Zamfara.

Chukwu said a large number of wounded had escaped the scene and the army had seized the group’s weapons.

An official from the National Emergency Management Agency, Suleyman Mohammed, previously said that 54 people were killed and 71 others were injured due to violence between shepherds and farmers in Zamfara state last week.

Mohammed added that nearly 7,000 people were displaced because of the clashes.

The Fulani people -- also known as Fula -- who migrated to the country's south to graze their animals claim that the farmers in the region are trying to steal their animals and are attacking them.