The death of David Yelsa, an employee of Rongtai Group of Companies in Utesi, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, has resulted in widespread destruction of the company’s property following a violent protest.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Deputy Governor, Friday Aghedo, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday in Benin City.
According to Aghedo, Governor Monday Okpebholo, who is currently in the United Kingdom, directed his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, to visit the company, evaluate the extent of the damage, meet with the company’s management and community leaders, and help restore peace.
He also assured all parties that the state government would conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the worker’s death, which sparked the unrest.
Findings showed that the crisis began after Yelsa, a forklift operator with Rongtai Aluminium Group, died in a workplace accident.
Company officials explained that the deceased sustained fatal injuries after the forklift he was operating allegedly developed a mechanical fault, overturned near a culvert and crushed him.
The incident prompted protests by members of the host community, who alleged that the company attempted to remove Yelsa’s body from the premises without observing due process or notifying relevant stakeholders.
The protest later escalated into violence, with vehicles, equipment and other company property vandalised.
During his visit, Idahosa inspected the accident scene and the damaged sections of the factory. He also interacted with Chinese expatriate workers, some of whom recounted fleeing during the violence, while one displayed injuries allegedly sustained in the attack.
The deputy governor, however, raised concerns over inconsistencies surrounding the incident, questioning why the forklift involved had been moved before investigators arrived and why there were no visible bloodstains or CCTV footage covering the accident scene.
He also faulted the company’s workplace safety measures, citing the lack of adequate protective gear for employees, 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 government’s resolve to establish the facts.
“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, Public Safety and Environment would immediately begin a comprehensive investigation into the worker’s death, with the outcome to be presented to Governor Okpebholo.
According to the deputy governor, although preliminary observations had been made during the visit, the government’s official position would depend entirely on the outcome of the investigation.
He appealed to all parties to remain calm while the government completed its inquiry.
Managing Director of Rongtai Aluminium Group, Liu Chang, lamented the scale of destruction suffered by the company during the unrest.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Hon. Ericsson Osawaru, described the relationship between the council and the company as cordial, attributing part of the crisis to communication difficulties caused by language barriers.
He assured residents and investors of the council’s continued support for measures that promote safety and peaceful coexistence.
The company’s external solicitor, Imasuen Felix, stated that Yelsa died while carrying out his duties. He alleged that attempts to transport the body to a mortuary were interrupted 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 on behalf of the host community, the Okaighele (Youth Leader), 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.”
