13 killed in Nigerian violence

At least 13 people were killed Thursday when unidentified gunmen stormed four villages in Nigeria's Benue state, where violent clashes have increased in past weeks, authorities confirmed.

The gunmen, who perpetrated the fresh attack may not be herdsmen, Xinhua quoted Benue State governor Gabriel Suswam as saying, although recent reports emanating from the state had linked violent attacks to local herdsmen sojourning in the province.

Police authorities in the state also confirmed the attack, saying a detachment of cops had been sent to the area restore peace.

The northern part of Nigeria is plagued by violent clashes, some of which include the Boko Haram attack in the West African country's northeast region, the communal clash in the central state of Plateau which shares borders with many northern states, among others.

Benue State has witnessed more of these attacks, frequently attributed to local herdsmen who often clash with residents of the local communities.