The Edo State Government has launched a full investigation into the death of a factory worker after the incident sparked violent unrest and widespread destruction at Rongtai Aluminium Group in Utesi, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.
The deceased, identified as David Yelsa, was a forklift operator at the company. According to company officials, he was carrying out his duties when the forklift he was operating reportedly developed a mechanical fault, overturned near a culvert, and crushed him. He later died from the injuries.
Following his death, members of the host community staged a protest, accusing the company of trying to remove Yelsa’s body from the factory without informing his family or following the proper procedures. The protest later turned violent, with angry youths vandalising vehicles, factory equipment, and other company property.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, who is currently in the United Kingdom, directed Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa to visit the factory, assess the level of destruction, meet with company officials and community leaders, and help restore peace.
During the visit, Idahosa expressed concern over several unanswered questions surrounding the incident. He questioned why the forklift involved in the accident had been removed before investigators arrived and why there was no CCTV footage or visible blood stains at the accident scene. He also criticised the company’s workplace safety standards, noting the absence of adequate protective equipment, a functional medical clinic, and even a basic first aid box.
The deputy governor assured both the company and the community that the state government would conduct a thorough investigation through the Ministries of Health, Labour, Public Safety, and Environment. He said the government’s final position would be based solely on the outcome of the investigation.
Rongtai Aluminium Group’s Managing Director, Liu Chang, described the destruction caused by the unrest as unfortunate. Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Ericsson Osawaru, said the relationship between the company and the community had been peaceful in the past, adding that language barriers may have contributed to the misunderstanding.
Indeed Edo State:
Edo Security Corps Arrest Three Over Alleged Murder, Secret Burial of Kebbi Woman
Edo Man Allegedly Fakes Own Kidnap, Demands ₦4m from Family
NDLEA Uncovers Cannabis Warehouse in Edo, Seizes Over 1.3 Tonnes of Illicit Drugs
The company’s lawyer, Imasuen Felix, said Yelsa died while on duty and claimed that youths stopped efforts to take his body to the mortuary before vandalising the factory and looting computers and other equipment. He added that security agencies arrested 35 suspects, including five company employees.
Speaking on behalf of the host community, youth leader Osas Airumwona insisted that residents acted after receiving information that the worker’s body was allegedly being moved without the knowledge of security personnel or his family. He also accused the company of failing to fulfil its corporate social responsibility to the community.
The Edo State Government has appealed for calm while investigations continue, promising that anyone found responsible for any wrongdoing will be held accountable.
About The Author
