The central Nigerian state of Adamawa has declared a curfew in the capital Yola, following clashes between Muslims and Christians in a nearby town.

A state spokesman said the move was designed to prevent more violence.

Religious tensions have been rising in Nigeria since last month, when hundreds of Muslims were killed by Christians in central Plateau State.

The attack sparked revenge riots in the northern town of Kano, which left at least 37 Christians dead.

Adamawa state government spokesman Willie Zalawie said the dusk-to-dawn curfew had been extended to Yola, to ensure that the presence of displaced people fleeing violence in the town of Numan did not incite further rioting.

He told the BBC the crisis was related to religion, and sentiments could be easily whipped up.

Communal tension

On Tuesday, Christians and Muslims clashed in Numan, following a long-standing dispute over the rebuilding of a mosque which was destroyed in communal violence last year.

The latest fighting began when the local chief, a Christian, complained that the minaret overlooked his palace compound.

The Red Cross says that in two days of fighting, 41 people were killed and 145 injured.

At least 2,000 people were displaced when their homes were burned to the ground.

Police have now reinforced the area, which is reportedly calm.

The state government has also ordered that the chief stand down, and directed that the mosque be rebuilt in a less controversial location.