Nigeria census clashes

Six people have been killed in clashes in Nigeria in the run up to the country’s census which starts today. The deaths occurred during a boundary dispute between rival groups in the south-west Ondo state. A row erupted over whether Taribo village should be merged with its Irele neighbours for the purposes of the census. The census, the first in 15 years, is sensitive as its findings will shape future funding and politics. Questions on ethnicity and religion have been taken out of the questionnaire to prevent further clashes. Previous censuses have led to national rows about alleged fraud.