President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the fire incident at an illegal oil refinery in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State which claimed over a hundred lives on Friday night.
In a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, the president directed the nation’s 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.