Edo State Looks Into Worker’s Death After Factory Protests

The death of David Yelsa, a worker at Rongtai Group of Companies in Utesi, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, has led to serious damage to the company's property.

Dennis Idahosa, the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, confirmed this in a statement on Saturday in Benin. Idahosa said Governor Monday Okpebholo, who is currently in the United Kingdom, has asked him to visit the company, check the damage, talk to the company’s management and community leaders, and help restore peace.

He assured everyone that the government will carry out a thorough investigation into what happened that led to the worker's death and the unrest that followed.

Reports show that the crisis started after Yelsa, a forklift operator with Rongtai Aluminium Group, died. Company officials said he was fatally injured when the forklift he was using malfunctioned, overturned at the edge of a culvert, and crushed him.

This incident led to protests by members of the local community. They accused the company of trying to take Yelsa's body from the factory without following proper procedures or informing the relevant people.

The protest turned violent, with many vehicles, equipment, and other facilities in the factory damaged.

During his visit, Idahosa inspected the accident scene and the damaged factory areas. He also spoke with Chinese workers, some of whom shared how they ran away during the violence. One worker showed injuries he claimed he got during the attack.

Idahosa expressed concern over some inconsistencies about the accident. He questioned why the forklift involved was removed before investigators arrived and why there were no visible signs of blood or CCTV footage of the accident area.

He also pointed out the company’s poor safety measures, saying there were no proper protective gear for workers, no working medical clinic, and even a basic first aid box was missing from the facility.

Idahosa told the company and community representatives that the state government is committed to finding out the truth.

"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 revealed that the Ministries of Health, Labour, Public Safety, and Environment will start an investigation into the worker’s death right away. Their findings will be sent to Governor Okpebholo.

Idahosa mentioned that while they had made some initial observations during the visit, the government’s final decision would be based on the results of the official investigation.

He called for calm from everyone involved while the government conducts a proper investigation into the situation.

Liu Chang, the Managing Director of Rongtai Aluminium Group, lamented the level of damage the company suffered due to the unrest.

Hon. Ericsson Osawaru, the Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, described the relationship between the council and the company as friendly. He said part of the misunderstanding came from communication issues because of language barriers.

He promised that the local government would continue to support measures that protect both residents and investors.

Imasuen Felix, the company’s external solicitor, said the deceased died while on duty. He claimed that attempts to take his body to the mortuary were disrupted by protesting youths, who forced the vehicle back into the factory before vandalizing property and stealing computers and other equipment.

He added that security agencies have arrested 35 suspects, including five company employees.

Osas Airumwona, the Okaighele (Youth Leader) for the host community, said residents acted after hearing that the deceased's body was being moved from the factory without security personnel or family members present.

He also accused the company of not meeting its corporate social responsibility obligations and mentioned past disagreements with the community.