Inner Galaxy Steel Company, located in Abia State, has issued a statement regarding the death of Miss Ocheze Ogbonna, a crane operator employed by the company.
The company denies allegations that a Chinese expatriate pushed Miss Ogbonna from a crane after she refused his sexual advances.
Inner Galaxy Steel’s Public Affairs Manager, Ceng Jing, maintains that Miss Ogbonna tragically fell asleep while operating the crane, resulting in her death. This account, according to the statement, is corroborated by other Nigerian workers who witnessed the incident.
The statement reads, “We are making this statement to address the tragic incident that occurred at our facility in Ukwa Local Government, Abia State, resulting in the accidental death of our staff member, Miss Vivian Ocheze Munachim, a crane operator.
“We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. Regrettably, social media misinformation has spread false allegations that a Chinese staff member pushed Miss Ochieze off the crane she was operating. We want to assure the public that these claims are entirely unfounded and have been thoroughly investigated and found to be false.
“The truth is that Miss Ochieze fell asleep while operating the crane, leading to her tragic fall. Her fellow Nigerian workers at the scene saw her falling down. Unfortunately, instead of telling the truth, some people chose to take advantage of the tragedy to spread false information.
“Some people with sinister motives quickly gathered together and stormed the company, looting and burning, Leading to the escalation of the crisis. Our warehouse, production line, oxygen station, vehicles and other facilities and equipment were vandalized or stolen.
“We have heard rumors being spread that a Chinese staff was making love advances to the deceased, Miss Munachim, however, there is no evidence whatsoever that a Chinese staff was having a relationship with the late crane operator.
“It is unfortunate that this misinformation has caused an outbreak of violence. We urge the public to remain calm and allow law enforcement agencies to conduct an independent investigation and establish the cause of the death of Miss Munachim.
“The police are currently investigating the matter, and we are cooperating with them fully. We want to assure the public that Inner Galaxy Steel Co. Nig. Ltd. is not culpable in Miss Ochieze’s death. We value the safety and well-being of our employees and are committed to providing a secure working environment.
“We also want to assure the public that we are ready to perform our responsibility to the deceased’s family regarding this unfortunate accident. We will provide necessary support and compensation to the family, as we understand the gravity of the loss and the impact on her loved ones.”