A Chinese national working at Inner Galaxy Steel Company in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State is accused of pushing a young female employee, Ocheze Ogbonna, to her death from a crane.
According to reports, Ogbonna’s death sparked outrage in her Umuahala community, with youths storming the company. The protest was reportedly dispersed by Nigerian Army personnel, who allegedly shot Light Chimeko Ahuruonye, one of the demonstrators.
In other reports, Ahuruonye’s critical condition prevented local medical facilities from admitting him, and his family is making arrangements to transport him to a city hospital.
A community leader, speaking to NewsNGR on condition of anonymity, vowed that the youths would relentlessly pursue justice for their deceased sister.
Contacted for comment on the incident, Abia Police Public Relations Officer ASP Maureen Chinaka replied, “I will get back to you on that.”
A Twitter investigation shared by user @Truthfully83 on August 12, 2020, exposed concerning allegations about Inner Galaxy Group’s labor practices. The investigation claims the company operates like a “modern-day slave camp” with over 1,000 Nigerian workers subjected to brutal working conditions.
The reports allege that workers are reportedly forced to work from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm, seven days a week, with no breaks or time off.
The investigation claims Nigerian employees are referred to as “master” or “mistress” by their Chinese supervisors and subjected to daily physical and sexual assault.
The company allegedly confined workers to company-provided housing during the COVID-19 pandemic, denying them freedom of movement.
The investigation further alleges the company uses extensive camera surveillance to monitor workers and restrict any form of assembly, unionization, or protest.