Owners of illegal Imo refinery responsible for loss of over 100 lives, properties – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has said sponsors of the illegal refinery in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State should be held responsible for the death of over 100 persons in an explosion that rocked the area on Friday night.

In a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, the president directed the armed forces, security and intelligence agencies to intensify their efforts in eradicating illegal refineries in the region.

According to Mr Shehu, the president described the incident as a “catastrophe and a national disaster”.

President Buhari noted that the responsibility for the loss of lives and property during the incident “squarely lie with the sponsors of the illegal refinery”.

According to reports, the owner of the refinery has been identified but is currently at large.

He expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, the community and the entire local government.