Imo State security forces have begun searching for the owners and operators of illegal refineries in the state’s bushes and forests.
More than a hundred people were killed and lots of vehicles were levelled in an explosion at an illegal refinery in the state’s Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area on Friday night.
Declan Emelumba, the state commissioner for information and strategy, said in a statement on Monday that the governor, Hope Uzodimma, had ordered that the charred remains of the victims be removed from the accident scene.
After the victims had been buried on Monday, the government would begin fumigation of the scene, according to the Commissioner.
The statement read, “Imo State Government yesterday condoled with families of victims of last weekend’s illegal refinery fire disaster at Egbema.
“A statement on Monday, April 25th by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, said the government deeply regrets that more than 70 Nigerians lost their lives in the unfortunate incident, even when they were engaged in illegal activities, including sabotaging the nation’s economy.
“The statement said that Governor Hope Uzodimma has directed immediate evacuation of the charred remains of the victims for mass burial, while the area should be fumigated for environmental safety.
“It said the governor has also assured that Imo state government will do everything humanly possible to stamp out illegal bunkering and refinery in the state.
“According to the statement, both operators and patrons of illegal bunkering and refinery have been ordered to seize operation forthwith having realized that the consequences of their actions could lead to mass murder.
“The statement said the government has directed security agencies in the state to intensify their search for the owners of the illegal refineries and ensure their immediate arrest and trial.
“The statement further directed security operatives to comb all parts of the state to flush out illegal refinery operators and bunkers for the safety of citizens and economic growth of Nigeria.”