The chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr Chidi Lloyd has said that many houses in Ibaa community have dumpsites for illegally refined petroleum products.
No less than 15 buildings were lost to an inferno in Ibaa community in Emohua Local Government Area on Wednesday after a truck suspected to be laden with illegally refined petroleum products burst into flames.
Reacting to the incident, Lloyd said although efforts have been made to ground the activities of illegal crude oil bunkering and artisanal refiners, it has continued in the community.
According to him, some key patrons of the act have been identified and declared wanted by the state government.
He maintained that he would intensify efforts in the war against illegal refining of petroleum products in the council to bring it to an end.
Recall that Governor Nyesom Wike had ordered a clampdown on operators of illegal crude oil bunkering and artisanal refineries in parts of the State.
The governor had also charged Heads of security agencies and council chairman to identify the sites and arrest perpetrators.
