15 die in Nigeria violence

Lagos, Nigeria (PANA) - Some 15 persons, including pregnant women, children and the elderly, were killed while over 60 houses were razed in a politically-motivated violence that broke out in a community in Nigeria's northern Benue state, the local Vanguard newspaper reported Tuesday.

It said the violence, which broke out on Monday, pitched supporters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state against those of the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

The paper said ACN supporters, angered over the killing of two of their party leaders, mobilised and attacked known PDP members in Ugba community, as well as the paramount ruler of the community, Zaki Terngu.

State Governor Gabriel Suswan, who hails from the community, said during an inspection visit that additional security agents had been deployed there to restore peace.

Police spokesman Ejike Alaribe was quoted as saying the situation has been brought under control, and that investigations had been launched into the violence.

Tension is high in Benue as the ACN believes the incumbent governor stole its mandate during the last elections.
-0- PANA SEG 18Oct2011