LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) The law firm for Nigeria's Bodo community says it has rejected a compensation offer from Shell for two massive oil spills in 2008 that devastated the mangrove and fishing area in the country's southern delta.
Law firm Leigh Day said Friday the community members called the amount offered "derisory and insulting." The lawsuit was filed in 2012. Compensation talks began Monday in Port Harcourt.
Shell has admitted responsibility for the two spills, but disputes the impact and amount of damage.
Independent experts cited by Leigh Day estimate more than 500,000 barrels were spilled, and 13,000 fisherman lost their livelihoods.
Shell spokesman Jonathan French says the number of fisherman impacted is likely lower, given the size of the area. The company says a joint investigation team estimated 4,100 barrels were lost.
