U.N. human rights agency concerned about Nigeria fighting

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ABUJA, Nigeria, May 3 (UPI) -- The United Nations urged Nigerian leaders to ensure security forces respect human rights following reports of heavy civilian casualties in fighting in Baga.

"We are very concerned about the large number of casualties, reportedly including many civilians, and massive destruction of houses and property, as well as displacement that has taken place in the past few weeks in northeastern Nigeria," Rupert Colville, spokesman for the U.N. office of the high commissioner for human rights, said Friday in Nigeria.

The U.N. human rights unit urged the Nigerian government to make sure its efforts to achieve security "are in full compliance with human rights principles," Colville said.

The United Nations said in a release it received reports nearly 220 civilians were killed during clashes between military forces and the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram. The human rights organization said days of fighting in Baga began April 16, spurred by the killing of a soldier by the militants.

Colville said OHCHR welcomes Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan's commitment to hold accountable those involved in the human rights violations committed during the Baga attack, and urges the Nigerian government to conduct a "full and impartial investigation."