Abuja, Sep 17 (IANS): At least 20 people were killed and 30 houses razed in a fresh attack by gunmen who stormed a local community in Nigeria's central state of Plateau, residents said Thursday.

Scores of people were also injured in the attack on Tuesday, said locals in Kadunung community, alleging that the attackers came from a nearby Barkin Ladi district of the state.

"The attack was carried out by the Berom tribe men. They shot their guns indiscriminately at our people," said Ariya Simon, a resident of the attacked community.

Plateau State police spokesperson Abu Emmanuel confirmed the incident to Xinhua, but declined to give actual figure of casualties.

Investigators have launched a probe into the attack, the police spokespoerson said, adding the details would be made available to the public at due time.

The Nigerian state often comes to boil due to perpetration of local herdsmen fomenting trouble in local communities. Communal uprising also occurs in the state, mainly occupied by a group of Christians and Moslems dominating separate communities.

Last week, at least 20 people were killed in an attack by local herdsmen in Barkin Ladi district of the state.