Nigeria, Aug. 21 -- The deadly clash, which erupted on Wednesday morning, is the latest in a wave of violent confrontations that have continued to unsettle rural communities across the state.

Eyewitnesses who spoke with The News Chronicle said the soldiers were deployed in the area as part of a peacekeeping effort but were fatally caught in the crossfire between the opposing groups.

"The fighting started early in the morning and escalated rapidly. In the process of trying to intervene, two soldiers lost their lives," said a local community leader.

Also speaking, a resident of the area Talatu Adams said, "Yesterday afternoon, suspected herdsmen launched an attack on Bandawa our community. Two soldiers lost their lives, while another sus...