… As Mayor Of Ukwa West LG Sues For Peace
A federal lawmaker from Abia State, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, has called for the arrest of a Chinese expatriate following the alleged murder of a Nigerian worker, Miss Ocheze Ogbonna.
Miss Ogbonna, a crane operator employed by Inner Galaxy Steel Company, reportedly died on May 20th, 2024, during a night shift. According to Nkwonta, she was allegedly pushed from a crane by her Chinese supervisor, Mr. Power, after refusing his sexual advances.
Hon. Nkwonta expressed outrage at the incident, condemning it as a “dastardly act” and a “total disregard for the sanctity of life.” He further highlighted the shooting of protesting youths by security personnel guarding the steel company.
The lawmaker issued a statement demanding justice for Miss Ogbonna. The statement reads:
“Miss Ocheze Ogbonna’s death orchestrated by a Chinese Expatriate is a gross abuse of the rules of engagement and a total disregard for the sanctity of human life and an affront on their host community, Umuahala-Obuzor and the peace loving people of Ukwa West Local Government Area..
“This barbaric act once again calls to mind the incessant calls by well-meaning Nigerians that the Chinese Expatriates operating in Nigeria do not have regard for human lives and must be called to order immediately to avert the breakdown of law and order.
“I strongly condemn the dastardly act and brutal killing of the late Miss Ocheze Ogbonna by the Chinese Expatriate who has been identified as ‘Mr. Power’.
“I hereby call on the Inspector General of Police, IGP,Kayode Egbetokun,the Chief of Army Staff,Lt.Gen.Taoreed Lagbaja,the Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie,the Honourable Minister of State, Labour and Productivity,Hon.Barr.Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha and the Trade Union Congress to ensure that the culprit, who i understand is being shielded by the security agents is brought to book and made to face the full wrath of the law.”
The Mayor of Ukwa West LGA, Hon. Newman Azu, also addressed the incident. Learning of the tragedy late on Monday, Mayor Azu took steps to calm a community outrage that had erupted into protests.
In a town hall meeting at Umuahala, the community where Miss Ogbonna resided, Mayor Azu condemned the killing. He assured residents that the matter had been reported to the Abia State Governor and authorities were committed to a thorough investigation.
The Mayor emphasized that due process would be followed, but that the perpetrator would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. He stressed his responsibility as Chief Security Officer to ensure the safety of his constituents.
Mayor Azu also addressed another reported incident at Inner Galaxy Steel Company. According to a company representative, Ms. Tina, another Nigerian worker was stabbed to death by a colleague. The Mayor ordered the arrest and transfer of the suspect to appropriate authorities for investigation.
He further criticized the shooting of a peaceful protester by a soldier and pledged to collaborate with local officials to address the alleged harassment and intimidation of residents by military personnel stationed at the steel company.