President Muhammadu Buhari has said the sponsors of the illegal refinery in Imo state which led to the death of over 100 persons in an explosion “must all be caught and made to face justice”.
The explosion occurred Friday night at Abaezi forest in Ohaji/Egbema area of the state.
The victims were burnt to death after the blast at the illegal refining site.
According to a statement by presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on Sunday, the President said the responsibility for the loss of lives and property lay squarely on the sponsors of the illegal refinery.
Describing the incident as a “catastrophe and a national disaster”, Buhari directed the nation’s security and intelligence agencies to intensify the clampdown on illegal refineries.
The president conveyed “the condolences and the full depth and range of the nation’s shock and trauma” to the families of the victims, the Ohaji/Egbema community, and the government and people of Imo State.
Buhari also urged community leaders, the police, and the secret service to never allow the occurrence of the heart-breaking incident in any part of the country again.