Investigation has started into the passing of a female crane operator at a Chinese firm, Inner Galaxy Steel Company Nigeria Limited, in Aba, Abia State.
According to thepaan, this report was affirmed by Moureen Chinaka, the Police Public Relations Officer in Abia State.
She mentioned that the bad incident had been reported to the command, and that an investigation had been initiated.
She wrote that “We got a report alleging that Mr. GZ ZHEN through his actions led to the death of one of his staff by the name, Vivian Ocheze Munachi. Investigation is ongoing”
Meanwhile, Governor Alex Otti emphasized that anyone found responsible must be held accountable. The Governor, spoke through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma who informed thepaan that the State Government is also looking into the issue and will not tolerate any wrong doing related to the victim’s demise.
He stated that the Government would stand up for the rights of every Abian and guarantee that the deceased receives justice. On the other hand, Inner Galaxy has refuted claims from social media reports that its Chinese staff was involved in the death of the Nigerian female crane operator.
The company has rejected as false the reports suggesting that the deceased was pushed to her death from the crane she was operating by a Chinese staff of the company.
Miss Vivian Ocheze Munachim, a crane operator with the company, reportedly passed away due to injuries sustained when she fell from the crane she was operating on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. There seems to be controversy surrounding the cause of the accident.
Mr. Ceng Jing, the public affairs manager signed a statement released to the media which stated that “the unfortunate incident happened when she fell asleep while operating the crane and lost control, thereby failing down which led to her death,” Note that other Nigerian staff who were present during the accident The company mentioned that other Nigerian staff who were present during the incident provided statements corroborating what happened.
Mr. Ceng further said “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 and have made statements.
“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, 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 Vivian Ocheze Munachim, however, there is no evidence whatsoever that a Chinese staff was having a relationship with the late Miss Vivian Ocheze Munachim.
“It is unfortunate that this misinformation has caused an outbreak of violence, resulting in the vandalization of our company property. We urge the public to remain calm and allow law enforcement agencies to conduct an independent investigation and establish the cause of death of Miss Vivian Ocheze 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 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.
“We appreciate your understanding and support during this difficult time and urge refrain from spreading unsubstantiated rumors and allow the authorities to complete their investigation.”
It seems that attempts to contact the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, were unsuccessful as he was reported to have traveled outside the country.
