Three persons were feared dead and property worth millions of naira, including 10 caterpillars and houses, were destroyed when gunmen suspected to be from Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State invaded the facilities of the controversial Orient Petroleum Resources at Aguleri Otu in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, Vanguard reports.
A host of others sustained varying degrees of injuries during the melee and are currently in hospitals where they are receiving medical attention.
The slain victims were said to be workers of the oil company.
The neighbouring communities in Kogi and Anambra states, have been in dispute over the ownership of the oil rich land which was commissioned by immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012.
An eyewitness said the assailants who were about 200, stormed the petroleum facility at about noon of the fateful day.
According to the witness whose identity was not disclosed, the rebels indiscriminately assaulted every people, and destroyed the entire offices, operational and personal vehicles, buildings, generating sets and other official and private properties in the premises.
Despite the large number of security operatives permanently stationed at the refinery,none was present as at the time of the incident.
