The death of a forklift operator , identified as David Yelsa with Rongtai Group of Companies in Utesi, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State on Thursday pitched the host community with the company, resulting to the destruction of company property.
The crisis which took the Edo State deputy governor, Hon Dennis Idahosa to the tension soaked community started when the forklift operator was said to have been crushed by the machine he was working with , but no attention was given to him by official of company, angering the community.
A press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, of the Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr Friday Aghedo, quoted Idahosa as saying he was mandated by Governor Monday Okpebholo to visit the industrial facility and assess the damage, engage both the company’s management and community representatives, and restore calm.
Idahosa assured all parties of a thorough government investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the company employee which triggered the unrest.
The protest later turned violent, with vehicles, equipment and other facilities within the factory vandalized.
During the visit, Idahosa toured the accident scene and the damaged sections of the factory , he also met with Chinese expatriates, some of whom narrated how they fled during the violence, while one displayed injuries allegedly sustained in the attack.
The Deputy Governor, however, expressed concern over inconsistencies surrounding the accident, questioning why the forklift involved had been removed before investigators arrived and why there were no visible traces of blood or CCTV footage covering the accident location.
He also criticized the company’s workplace safety standards, noting the absence of adequate protective equipment for workers, a functional clinic, and even a basic first aid box within the facility.
Addressing representatives of the company and the host community, Idahosa reiterated the state government’s commitment to uncovering the truth.
“The Executive Governor of Edo State directed me to assess the level of destruction and establish the
facts surrounding the unfortunate incident.“While Rongtai remains a major investor contributing significantly to Edo State’s economy and employment, every worker’s life is valuable and must be protected,” he said.
He disclosed that the Ministries of Health, Labour, and Public Safety and Environment would immediately commence a comprehensive investigation into the worker’s death, with their findings to be submitted to Governor Okpebholo.
According to him, although preliminary observations had been made during this visit, the government’s final position would be based strictly on the outcome of the official investigation.”
The Deputy Governor concluded by appealing for calm from all parties while the government carried out proper investigation into the matter.
Managing Director of Rongtai Aluminium Group, Mr. Liu Chang bemoaned the level of destruction suffered by the company as a result of the crisis.
On his part, Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Hon. Ericsson Osawaru, described the relationship between the council and the company as generally cordial, attributing part of the misunderstanding to communication challenges arising from language barriers.
He assured that the local government would continue to support measures that protect both residents and investors.
The company’s external solicitor, Imasuen Felix, Esq., said the deceased died in the course of duty and alleged that attempts to convey his remains to the mortuary were disrupted by protesting youths, who forced the vehicle back into the factory before vandalising facilities and carting away computers and other equipment.
He added that security agencies arrested 35 suspects, including five employees of the company.
Speaking for the host community, the Okaighele (Youth Leader), Mr. Osas Airumwona maintained that residents acted after receiving information that the deceased’s body was allegedly being transported from the factory without the presence of security personnel or members of his family.
He also accused the company of failing to fulfil its corporate social responsibility obligations and cited previous disagreements with the community.
