Deadliest village massacre in recent Nigeria clashes leaves at least 150 dead: summary

What we know

• At least 150 people have been killed after gunmen attacked Yelewata village in Nigeria’s Benue state, with survivors still searching for the missing.
• The attack began late Friday night and lasted for hours, with homes and shelters burned while many victims were sleeping.
• Dozens of the dead had fled earlier violence and were staying in a local market when it was targeted.
• No group has claimed responsibility, but violent clashes between farmers and herders are common in the region.
• Tensions over land and water access have worsened in recent years, with more herders reportedly taking up arms.

 What they said

Matthew Nlan, a survivor of the massacre, said, "They burnt some of our community members in stores there; there are some stores that are housing more than 50 persons. All were burnt down." "People slaughtered here, others burnt to ashes,” he added.