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News Sport Weather World Service Languages Low Graphics version | Change edition About BBC News | Feedback | Help News Front Page Africa Americas Asia-Pacific Europe Middle East South Asia UK Business Health Science/Nature Technology Entertainment ----------------- Have Your Say In Pictures Week at a Glance Country Profiles In Depth Programmes LANGUAGES MORE > Last Updated: Wednesday, 14 July, 2004, 19:04 GMT 20:04 UK E-mail this to a friend Printable version Gun battles in Nigeria oil region Militia leader Muhahid Dokubu Asari is on the run from police Security forces and armed militiamen have clashed in Port Harcourt, in Nigeria's oil-rich Delta region. Residents say a number of people, including a woman bystander, died in the fighting, which took place in the city's Amadi-Ama district on Tuesday. An armed faction leader said 11 of his men died, but the police have no details of casualties. Officials said the clashes erupted during a joint army and police operation to seize illegal weapons. Turf war "The team swooped on the criminals, made some arrests and recovered guns," River State spokesman Emmanuel Okah told the AFP news agency. "A lady from Edo State was killed during the operation. I also heard other people were killed but I cannot confirm that now," he said. Militia leader Muhahid Dokubu Asari, who is on the run from police, has said 11 of his men were shot dead. He says he is wanted by police because he has accused the government of rigging last year's election, but authorities say the real reason is a turf war with a rival militia. Last month Mr Dokubu Asari, along with 2,000 armed men, claimed to be fighting on behalf of the Ijaw ethnic groups for the independence of the Niger Delta, the centre of Nigeria's oil industry. Nigeria is Africa's biggest oil exporter, but the Niger Delta is one of the most underdeveloped regions of the country and is prone to violence. Armed gangs of militant youths roam the swamps and creeks and are involved in the lucrative business of stealing crude oil from pipelines. E-mail this to a friend Printable version LINKS TO MORE AFRICA STORIES SelectSudan foes in new bid for peaceKenya corruption claims condemnedLife expectancy plummets in AfricaTanzania probes flamingo deathsMandela urges action to fight TBRwandan rights activists 'flee'Ex-Niger premier denies Iraq linkKenya 'facing major food crisis'Gun battles in Nigeria oil regionNigerians challenge Taylor asylumChildren missing out on HIV drugsFormer rebels join Uganda's armyZimbabwe 'returning to stone age'France raps 'US Aids blackmail'Fears for Sudan Islamist's healthSoyinka still going strong at 70Congo anger at diamond suspensionItaly holds migrants ship captainDR Congo uranium mine collapsesBotswana bushmen in legal fightNigeria wakes up to HIV realityDo you have Aids fatigue?Somalia's hope of a new eraTourists discover Mozambique beautyDo you have a story to tell?Programmes and schedules  SEE ALSO: Peace deal in Nigerian oil town 02 Jun 04  |  Africa Security sweep in Nigeria's Delta 31 May 04  |  Africa Nigeria head vows to find pirates 25 Apr 04  |  Africa Who benefits from Africa's oil? 09 Mar 04  |  Africa RELATED INTERNET LINKS: Nigerian government The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites TOP AFRICA STORIES NOW Sudan foes in new bid for peace Kenya corruption claims condemned Life expectancy plummets in Africa Tanzania probes flamingo deaths News alerts | E-mail services | Desktop ticker | Mobiles/PDAs Back to top ^^ News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia UK | Business | Entertainment | Science/Nature | Technology | Health Have Your Say | In Pictures | Week at a Glance | Country Profiles | In Depth | Programmes BBC Homepage >> | BBC Sport >> | BBC Weather >> | BBC World Service >> About BBC News | Help | Feedback | News sources | Privacy & Cookies Policy | About the BBC

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