Lagos, Nigeria - A couple and their three-year-old daughter were killed by unknown persons in Wereng village in Nigeria's restive Plateau State Tuesday night, the police said Wednesday.

The victims - Mr. Philip Francis, his wife Simi, and daughter Nera - were hacked to death by the machete-wielding attackers in their family house around 11.00 p.m. local time.

Plateau State Police Commissioner Emmanuel Ayeni said he did not have more details, adding: 'I am still waiting for more details from the Divisional Police Officer of Riyom Local Government,’’ where the village is situated.

Intense competition for dwindling natural resources between the indigenous people of the area and the settler community is at the root of incessant clashes in the state. 

Pana 28/12/2011