UPDATE - At least 95 killed in suspected ethnic Mali attack

ADDS UN SECRETARY GENERAL COMMENT IN GRAFS 6-7

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - At least 95 people were killed in a suspected ethnic attack in central Mali late Sunday, local media reported.

The overnight attack reportedly occurred in Sobane, a village in the Mopti region inhabited by the ethnic Dogon community, the local broadcaster aBamako, reported citing a government statement.

“The Government of the Republic of Mali offers its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and assures that all measures will be taken to stop and punish the perpetrators of this carnage. More information will soon be available on this tragic attack,” the Communications Ministry said in the statement.

The government described the attackers as armed men suspected of being terrorists who launched a deadly assault on the peaceful village.

Some 19 people were still missing in the wake of the attack, according to the statement.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres "strongly condemns this attack and calls on the Malian authorities to investigate this tragedy and to bring the perpetrators to justice," spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

"The Secretary-General appeals to all Malian stakeholders to show restraint and to refrain from retaliatory acts. He urges the Government and all actors to engage in intercommunal dialogue to resolve tensions and differences," Dujarric added.

Media reports claimed the attack was suspected to be an ethnic clash perpetrated by the Fulani ethnic nomadic community against the Dogon community who are mainly farmers and hunters.

The Dogon ethnic community -- mainly farmers and hunters -- often clash with the Fulani nomadic pastoralists over the land and water rights.

Earlier this year, at least 130 Fulanis were killed by armed assailants dressed in traditional Dogon attire.