The recent tragic death of Ocheze Ogbonna, a crane operator at Inner Galaxy Steel Company located in Umuahala-Obuzor, Abia State, has ignited a storm of controversy and outrage. The circumstances surrounding her demise have led to conflicting narratives, with allegations of foul play against a Chinese expatriate working at the company
According to reports, Chris Nkwonta, the representative for Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, asserted that Ocheze’s death resulted from the actions of a Chinese expatriate who allegedly pushed her from the crane after she rejected his romantic advances. Nkwonta condemned the purported act as a flagrant disregard for human life and called for justice for the victim.
In response, Inner Galaxy Steel Company, through its Public Affairs Manager, Ceng Jing, vehemently refuted the allegations, presenting an alternative account of the incident. Jing stated that Ocheze had tragically fallen to her death while operating the crane, attributing the accident to her purportedly falling asleep on duty. The company maintained that Nigerian workers present at the scene could corroborate this version of events.
However, amidst the conflicting narratives, the situation escalated into chaos, with reports of violence, looting, and vandalism directed at the company’s facilities. Inner Galaxy Steel Company lamented the misinformation circulating on social media, which it claims fueled the unrest. The company emphasized its commitment to cooperating with law enforcement agencies and conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.
Furthermore, Inner Galaxy Steel Company expressed condolences to Ocheze’s family and pledged to provide support and compensation. They underscored their dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of their employees and called for calm while awaiting the outcome of the police investigation.
The incident underscores broader concerns regarding the treatment of workers, particularly in multinational corporations operating in Nigeria. It highlights the need for transparent investigations and accountability to address grievances and prevent similar tragedies in the future
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