The death toll in Jos, Nigeria, is rising as violence continues in the nation.

Reuters say Muslim youths hacked a Christian family to death in the village of Tatu, Plateau state.

Journalists were shown the bodies of the father, mother and their six children. Reports say three others, believed to be Muslims, were also killed.

According to Reuters at least 40 people have been killed in the area since last Monday.

This latest flare-up of religious violence in the state also claimed four other lives in an attack on the Christian village of Dabwak, near Jos, according to the BBC.

The city of Jos straddles the middle ground in Nigeria between the largely Muslim north and the largely Christian south. The city – and the nation – is divided along religious, tribal and political lines, with jockeying for land and resources.

Many Christians have been displaced from Muslim areas, initially in the north, where Sharia – strict Islamic law – has been imposed.

The family of eight were killed in Tatu, where Christians who had been driven from their homes had taken refuge. Release International's partner, the Stefanos Foundation, says the violence broke out after a number of Muslims moved into the largely Christian area to celebrate Eid, an Islamic religious festival.

"Nigeria is a tragedy unfolding before our eyes," says Release International. "In some areas, tensions are being fuelled by moves to drive Christians from their homes to create Islamic areas. Inevitably, people have been defending their families and their property."

Christian and Muslim religious leaders have appealed for peace.

Release is supporting the LoveJos Conference in London on September 24, which is exploring opportunities for reconciliation and ways to help victims of violence.

To find out more, please go to: www.lovejosconference.org.uk