WFP says gunmen in central Somalia have killed 1 of the agency’s contracted drivers

Gunmen kill a WFP-contracted driver in Somalia

NAIROBI, Kenya — A World Food Program spokesman says three gunmen have killed a WFP-contracted driver in central Somalia in what is believed to be clan-related violence.

Peter Smerdon says the Somali driver was killed Friday outside a hotel in the town of Galkayo.

Smerdon told The Associated Press that WFP has no indication the slaying was connected to his employment with the organization.

He says the gunmen had worked at the hotel as guards until their dismissal three weeks ago.

Senior police officer Mohamed Ahmed confirmed the killing and says police are investigating it.

Clan-related killings are common in Somalia, which has not had an effective government for the past 19 years.