Thousands flee Nigeria clashes

By Barnaby Phillips in Lagos

Tens of thousands of people have fled as a result of ongoing ethnic violence in central Nigeria, according to reports from the area.

Local authorities have set up several emergency camps to shelter the displaced people, who fled after fighting between the Tiv and Azara communities flared up 10 days ago.

Officials at one camp said they were looking after 17,000 people following the fighting, which was apparently sparked by the Azara accusing the Tivs of killing a prominent chief.

Almost all of those on the run are from the Tiv community. The Tivs are involved in a long-running land dispute with the neighbouring Azaras, who speak the Hausa language.

Some of the displaced are suffering from exhaustion, others have machete wounds.

Influx slowing down

Most have arrived within the past five or six days, although eye-witnesses say the influx may now be slowing down.

The conflict has remained localised and although reports from the Nasarawa state capital, Lafia, say that many people there are nervous, peace has been maintained.

Police reinforcements have been sent in to the area affected by the fighting, but the Nigerian government has not yet deployed the army.