Dozens feared dead as ethnic violence erupts in Nigeria

At least nine people have been killed and dozens more are feared dead in ethnic violence in Nigeria.

Mobs from rival groups have taken part in clashes in Lagos.

The fighting between the Yoruba and Hausa groups erupted on Saturday night.

The violence took place in Idi Araba and Mushin, crowded Lagos neighbourhoods where the two tribes make up major parts of the community.

Hundreds of police armed with automatic rifles and tear gas were deployed.

Crowds of Hausa men were seen going through the streets of Idi Araba carrying sabres, sticks, bottles and wearing white headbands decorated with Arabic script.

Nine bodies lay among the debris, but dozens more were feared dead.

Ahmed Tijani, a 29-year-old Hausa tailor, said Yoruba militants attacked his house on Saturday night. He fled with his family.

Eyiwunmi Egbaiyelo, a Yoruba, said Yoruba militants threatened to burn down his house. He was spared when he told then he was a Yoruba. Later, he managed to persuade a group of Hausas that he was from their tribe, and his house was spared.

"We are all one in Nigeria, so why are we fighting each other?" he said.