Unknown assailants have shot dead two people in an attack on a village in Nigeria's central volatile and violence-wracked Plateau State, a government spokesman and a witness said.
The assailants attacked one house in Tanjol village in Riyom municipality and shot dead the two people on Tuesday, the witness said.
Plateau State Information Commissioner Yiljap Abraham confirmed the attack, saying police had arrested nine suspects in connection with the incident.
"I can confirm to you there was an attack, but the security agencies were on hand and repelled the assailants," he told journalists.
"The STF (special task force) arrested nine persons in connection with the attack and they have been handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution," he stated.
The motive for the attack is unknown.
Authorities last month sent 1,300 additional riot police to the violence-wracked state to quell deadly unrest and sectarian violence, an army spokesman said.
Extra army, air force and navy troops were also expected to be deployed in the state, a spokesman of the STF, army captain Charles Ekeocha, had told journalists.
President Goodluck Jonathan last month ordered the country's defence chief to "take all necessary actions" to stop a new round of unrest between Christian and Muslim ethnic groups in Nigeria.
Jonathan's order came after two explosions hit the city of Jos, capital of the state.
Jos, an erstwhile tourist haven, has been hit by waves of violence between Christians and Muslims in recent years that have left hundreds dead.
A recent series of night-time attacks in and around Jos have killed dozens of people.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 