About three persons were feared dead and property worth millions of naira, including 10 caterpillars and houses, were destroyed when gunmen invaded the facilities of the controversial Orient Petroleum Resources at Aguleri Otu in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Reports say the gunmen were suspected to be from Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The three dead persons were identified as staff of the oil company, while several others injured in attack are receiving treatment in hospitals.

Orient Petroleum which was commissioned by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012, had been in dispute between the neighbouring communities in Kogi and Anambra states, with both sides laying claims to ownership of the oil rich land.

A eyewitnesses said the armed men number about 200, stormed the petroleum facility at about noon, taking the workers and security men attached to the facility unaware.

They were said to have assaulted every person in sight, while the entire offices, operational and personal vehicles, buildings, generating sets and other official and private properties in the premises of the petroleum company were destroyed.

The eyewitness said the surprising thing was that the large number of security operatives permanently stationed at the refinery, were not present at the time of the attack.