Three Nigerian oil workers killed by armed robbers

Kidnappings for ransom, armed robbery and car jackings are common in the Niger Delta, home to widespread poverty despite its vast oil and gas reserves. But most victims are released unharmed after payment of a ransom.

The three workers, employed by NNPC's National Petroleum Development Company, were attacked while travelling to Abraka in Nigeria's southern Delta state, the police said.

Foreign oil firms are forced to spend millions of dollars a year on security for their staff because of high crime rates in the Niger Delta. Authorities were investigating the incident but no suspects have been arrested.

(Reporting by Austin Ekeinde; Writing by Randy Fabi)