Gunmen have killed about 160 people in a series of attacks in a central region of Nigeria plagued by religious and ethnic tensions.

The attacks happened around Bokkos in Plateau state between Saturday night and Monday morning, as people were preparing to celebrate Christmas.

The attackers also burned down houses and destroyed property.

A government spokesman says most of the bodies recovered were women and children.

Another 300 people have been injured.

Violence between herders and farmers is common in the region.

Aljazeera.