Lagos - At least 10 people have been killed in an attack on a mainly Christian village near the violence-hit Nigerian city of Jos, officials say.

Eyewitnesses said houses were burnt and villagers were cut down with machetes. State radio reported that the raiders were disguised as soldiers.

State government spokesman Dan Manjang said the attack happened in Riyom area.

Hundreds of people have died in communal violence between Muslim and Christian groups near Jos this year.

Although the clashes take place between Muslims and Christians, observers say the underlying causes are economic and political.