By Ado Oyeyemi
The Edo State Government has commenced an investigation into the death of a factory worker at the Rongtai Group of Companies in Utesi, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, following violent unrest that left parts of the company’s facilities vandalised.
The worker, identified as David Yelsa, reportedly lost his life in an industrial accident, an incident that sparked protests by members of the host community and escalated into widespread destruction of company property.
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Friday Aghedo, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that Governor Monday Okpebholo, who is currently in the United Kingdom, directed Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa to visit the factory, assess the level of damage, engage stakeholders and restore calm in the area.
The government assured residents and the company of a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the employee’s death and the subsequent unrest.
Preliminary findings indicated that Yelsa, a forklift operator with Rongtai Aluminium Group, was fatally injured after the machine he was operating allegedly developed a mechanical fault, overturned near a culvert and trapped him.
The incident triggered protests after residents alleged that the company attempted to move the deceased’s body from the premises without notifying his family or relevant authorities.
The demonstration later turned violent, with protesters damaging vehicles, equipment and other facilities within the factory.
During an inspection of the premises, the deputy governor met with company officials, community representatives and Chinese expatriate workers, some of whom claimed they fled the facility during the violence, while one reportedly sustained injuries in the attack.
Idahosa raised concerns over what he described as inconsistencies surrounding the incident, questioning why the forklift involved had been removed before investigators arrived.
He also noted the absence of visible blood stains and the lack of CCTV coverage at the accident scene.
The deputy governor further criticised the company’s safety measures, citing the absence of adequate protective equipment for workers, a functional medical clinic and even a basic first aid box within the factory.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to conducting a transparent investigation, stressing that while Rongtai remained a major investor contributing to the state’s economy and employment, the safety and welfare of workers must not be compromised.
He announced that the Ministries of Health, Labour, Public Safety and Environment had been directed to carry out a comprehensive investigation, with their findings to be submitted to Governor Okpebholo for appropriate action.
Idahosa appealed to all parties to remain peaceful and allow the investigation to run its course, assuring that the government’s final position would be based solely on the outcome of the inquiry.
Managing Director of Rongtai Aluminium Group, Liu Chang, lamented the extensive destruction suffered by the company during the unrest.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Ericsson Osawaru, described the relationship between the council and the company as cordial, attributing part of the crisis to communication difficulties arising from language barriers.
He pledged the council’s continued support for initiatives that protect both residents and investors.
The company’s solicitor, Imasuen Felix, maintained that the deceased died while carrying out his official duties. He alleged that efforts to transport the body to a mortuary were disrupted by protesting youths, who forced the vehicle back into the factory before vandalising facilities and carting away computers and other valuables.
According to him, security agencies have arrested 35 suspects, including five employees of the company, in connection with the disturbance.
Speaking on behalf of the host community, the Okaighele, Osas Airumwona, said residents reacted after receiving information that the deceased’s body was allegedly being moved without the presence of security personnel or members of his family.
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He also accused the company of failing to fulfil its corporate social responsibility commitments and cited previous disagreements between the company and the host community.
