Whole communities hacked to death in Nigeria massacre

Andrew Geoghegan, Africa correspondent

Last Updated: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 07:39:00 +1100

Nigerian authorities have begun arresting suspects connected with the massacre of around 500 people in the central region of Jos.

Government officials in Jos say at least 500 people were slaughtered over the weekend when predominantly Christian villages were attacked by gangs using machetes.

Witnesses have described seeing whole communities hacked to death.

It is reported that most of those who died were women and children, who had tried to flee but were caught in animal traps and fishing nets.

It is believed this was a revenge attack prompted by the massacre of hundreds of people in the same area in January.

Jos has a long history of violence between Christians and Muslims.

Government troops have been sent to the area, while around 100 people have already been arrested.

Mass graves are being dug to bury the victims.

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