Attack on Africa oil region 'kills 150 civilians'

Oghebejabor Ikim, national co-ordinator for the Forum of Justice and Human Rights Defence, said civilians had suffered a heavy toll in the military operation that began on Wednesday. He did not say how many of the 150 dead were civilians, but said militants left the area before the offensive began.

The attacks on a village in the Niger Delta continued as the military tried to kill or capture a militant called John Togo who officials said gave up on a government-sponsored amnesty programme. The region has become vital to US oil supplies.

"I can describe it as a killing spree of innocent civilians," Mr Ikim said. "Houses have been burnt. Women are raped. There are killings. Is that how to get at John Togo?"

A military spokesman said the operation is ongoing, but would not comment further. The military has declined to offer a death toll for the operation.