By Rafiu Ajakaye
LAGOS
Up to 25 people were reportedly killed on Sunday in an ethnic clash in Nigeria's northeastern Taraba State.
"Armed Fulani herdsmen invaded Egba village in Agatu local government early today and were engaged by the youths and hunters," Maina Durami, an eyewitness, told The Anadolu Agency by phone.
He up to 25 on both sides died.
Durami said the attack appeared to be a reprisal for last weekend's killing of a Fulani herdsman allegedly by Egba farmers.
"All efforts to placate both sides have failed and the Sunday deadly clash attested to this," he added.
David Guli, who survived the attack, said the attackers had razed the house of the community leader who was saved by the youths.
"I cannot say the exact number of casualties but up to 20 people died," he told AA. "Some of the attackers died too because the youths came out to confront them."
Police spokesman Joseph Kwaji has not responded to AA's request for comment.
Taraba, like Plateau and Nasarawa states in central Nigeria, is prone to ethnic clashes centering on land control and grazing rights.
A bill is currently in the national parliament seeking to establish dedicated grazing zones for herdsmen.
