Originally published on March 13, 2014

More than 100 villagers in northern Nigeria were killed between March 12 and 13 by packs of gunmen on motorcycles.

Raids by tribal herdsmen riding on motorcycles in Northern Nigeria began on the night of March 11.

The attackers, believed to be from the Fulani ethnic group, attacked four villages inhabited by ethnic Hausa farmers between March 11 and 13, shooting indiscriminately and burning homes.

Following the assaults, reports say gunmen returned to attack one village again as residents were burying the dead from the earlier attack.

Central Nigeria is embroiled in religious-related conflict, but the Katsina region is overwhelmingly Muslim and no religious motive is suspected in the attacks.

Tensions between the two ethnic groups have risen in recent months. Fulani herdsman say the Hausa farmers are encroaching on grazing lands, while Hausa residents say the Fulani are responsible for several recent violent robberies."

Conflict between the two ethnic groups goes back several centuries, but modern disputes have centered around land rights, as both groups compete for space to graze and farm.

Local newspapers said over 100 villagers were killed, but the local government said only 69 bodies have been recovered so far.