Tension is mounting at the Inner Galaxy Steel Company in Umuahala-Obuzor Asa, located in the Ukwa West council area of Abia State, following the tragic death of a female crane operator, Ocheze Ogbonna.
Ocheze, a native of the company’s host community, Umuahala Obuzor Asa, allegedly died after being pushed from the crane by a Chinese manager.
According to reports, Ocheze struck her head on a hard object after the fall, leading to her death. Workers at the steel factory disclosed to Vanguard that the Chinese manager had a history of poor relations with Ocheze, stemming from her rejection of his romantic advances.
The incident has ignited significant unrest within the steel company, with community youths barricading the company gates and demanding justice for Ocheze’s death.
The situation escalated as soldiers guarding the steel company dispersed the protesting youths, reportedly using force that resulted in some of the protesters being shot and beaten.
A protester voiced the community’s grievances, stating, “The Chinese people at Inner Galaxy company are dehumanizing Nigerians. The Chinese manager pushed Ocheze out of the crane.
She fell and hit her head on the hard surface and died. We want justice done, our sister cannot die in vain, and the government must investigate the activities of the Chinese people at Inner Galaxy company.
The soldiers guarding the company are shooting at us for protesting the death of our sister. They are subjecting Nigerians to much suffering. Enough is enough.”
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer of the Abia State command for comments were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages went unanswered at the time of this report.
In response to the incident, Chris Nkwonta, the member representing Ukwa West and Ukwa East federal constituency, condemned the death of Ocheze Ogbonna.
In a statement, Nkwonta lamented the tragic circumstances of the crane operator’s death, describing it as a blatant disregard for the sanctity of life and an act of hatred and wickedness by the Chinese expatriate against their host community, Umuahala-Obuzor.
The community continues to call for a thorough investigation into the activities of the Inner Galaxy Steel Company and justice for Ocheze Ogbonna.
