Officials say at least 45 people have been killed during an overnight attack in central Nigeria's Benue state.

Eyewitnesses said the attack was carried out by armed cattle herders and police say they then engaged the attackers in a gun battle.

Many houses were burnt during the raid on Yelewata town.

Clashes between nomadic herders and settled farmers are common in central Nigeria. They are partly fuelled by competition over land.

Two days ago, 25 people died when gunmen attacked Makurdi.

Two weeks ago, gunmen killed 25 people in two attacks, also in Benue state.