Nigerian Soldiers Admit Violations

Coast Nigerian soldiers admitted killing and raping members of a minority group considered hostile to Nigeria’s military regime, a human rights group said Monday.

Human Rights Watch-Africa based its report on an investigation in February and March into the plight of Nigeria’s 500,000 Ogonis, who live in a 620-square mile area of Nigeria’s oil-producing Rivers state.

Ogoni leaders accuse the military government and oil companies of polluting their environment, and they have demanded compensation.

Human Rights Watch-Africa said it interviewed four soldiers, who described being ordered to raid Ogoni villages and make it appear as if the violence resulted from community feuds.