Dozens killed in armed groups attacks on villages in central Nigeria

Armed groups have killed at least 160 people in central Nigeria in a series of attacks on villages, local government officials said on Monday. Northwest and central Nigeria have been long terrorised by bandit militias operating from bases deep in forests and raiding villages to loot and kidnap residents for ransom. Competition for natural resources between nomadic herders and farmers, intensified by rapid population growth and climate pressures, has also exacerbated social tensions and sparked violence.