LAGOS, Nigeria

No fewer than 20 civilians have been killed in renewed communal hostilities in northwestern Nigeria, an official statement said on Tuesday.

The violence erupted between local Adara and Fulani tribes in Kajuru area of the restive Kaduna state, according to a statement from the presidency.

“President [Muhammadu] Buhari condemns the violence in Kaduna state, which led to the death of 20 members of the Adara community. These unfortunate deaths are the latest incident between the Adara and Fulani peoples in the state, who have a long history of mistrust between themselves,” the statement read.

Local media reported the deadly clashes in Kajuru on Monday but it is the first official statement on the incident.

Buhari called on community and religious leaders to promote peace and tolerance and avoid inciting statements for their supporters.

“President Buhari appeals for peace and decries the ongoing culture of 'an eye for an eye' that has fuelled a number of attacks and reprisal attacks,” it added.

Buhari also condemned clashes among cult groups in the oil-rich rivers, which also claimed some lives.