Suspected Fulani herdsmen killed at least 23 people in central Nigeria, the latest clash in a long-running battle with farming communities in the restive region, police said Tuesday.

"There was an attack by unknown gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen on three villages in Logo local government area (Benue) state," said police spokesman Austin Ezeani, referring to the Saturday violence.

"As at yesterday, 23 people were (confirmed) killed," he told AFP.