A section of the Chinese firm Rongtai Group of Companies, located in the Utesi community, Ikpoba-Okha local government area, was razed by a mob following the killing of two people.

The incident caused commotion in the community, with many residents fleeing for fear of arrest.

It was reported that trouble began on Thursday when a forklift fell on forklift operator David Yelsa.

Witnesses said the firm management’s lukewarm attitude toward the incident and the manner in which the body was disposed of angered other workers, relatives of the deceased, and community members.

Sources said the company did not inform the deceased worker’s family about his death.

They said the family and other workers began protesting the manner in which the body was disposed of when one of the security personnel fired into the crowd gathered at the gate, killing one person.

According to sources, the killing of one of the protesters led to an attack on the firm on Thursday night.

All vehicles and motorcycles within the company premises were razed.

Expatriate workers inside the firm at the time of the attack reportedly fled for safety.

Some buildings were also torched, and small business owners around the company’s premises were also affected.

Meanwhile, Governor Monday Okpebholo has ordered the Ministries of Health, Labour, and Public Safety and Environment to commence an immediate investigation into the incident.

Governor Okpebholo also sent his Deputy, Hon Dennis Idahosa, to visit the facility, assess the damage, and engage all factions to restore peace.

He assured all parties of a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the employee’s death that triggered the unrest.

Idahosa, who visited damaged sections of the factory, expressed concern over inconsistencies surrounding the accident.

He questioned why the malfunctioning forklift was removed before investigators arrived and why there were no visible traces of blood or CCTV footage covering the accident scene.

Idahosa also faulted the company’s workplace safety standards, noting the absence of adequate protective equipment for workers, a functional medical 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, significantly contributing to Edo State’s economy and employment, every worker’s life is valuable and must be protected,” he said.

He assured that the Ministries of Health, Labour, and Public Safety and Environment would conduct a comprehensive investigation into the worker’s death, with their findings to be submitted to Governor Okpebholo.

Idahosa said the government’s final position would be based strictly on the outcome of the official investigation.

Managing Director of Rongtai Aluminium Group, Mr Liu Chang, lamented the extent of the destruction suffered by the company as a result of the crisis.

He called for calm even as he assured full cooperation.

The company’s external Solicitor, Imasuen Felix, said attempts to convey the deceased’s 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 said security agencies arrested 35 suspects, including five employees of the company. (The Nation)

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