Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


    December 31, 2011

At Least 50 Killed in Ethnic Clash in Nigeria

   VOA News

   At least 50 people were killed Saturday in southeastern Nigeria in
   clashes between two rival ethnic communities.
   A spokesman for the Ebonyi state government said police and troops were
   dispatched to quell the violence.
   He said the clashes erupted between the Ezza and Ezilo people of
   Ishielu district, the two groups that are often in conflict. He said
   the exact death toll cannot yet be determined.
   Violent disputes over land are common in Africa's most populous country
   because the majority of its 160 million people are farmers living in
   rural areas with few authorities to arbitrate disputes.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.

.