Shell's legal action in Niger Delta

The High Court in the Nigerian state of Benin is expected to begin hearings later today in a case between the Anglo-Dutch oil company, Shell, and local communities in the Niger Delta.

Shell is suing the communities for twenty-five million dollars for alleged damages to their equipment and operations during an attack by militant youths in September.

The case has been described as the first such action by a multi-national company against a local community.

There have been frequent attacks on oil companies operating in the Niger Delta by militant youths who accuse them of environmental degradation.

Shell says it has been sensitive to welfare needs in local communities.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service