EDSG orders probe into Rongtai worker’s death, factory violence

The Edo State Government has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a worker at Rongtai Aluminium Group and the violent attack on the company’s facilities in Utesi Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.

Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who visited the company on Friday on the directive of Governor Monday Okpebholo, met with the management of the Chinese-owned manufacturing firm, community leaders and other stakeholders in a bid to restore peace following Thursday’s unrest.

The disturbance, which reportedly resulted in the destruction of company property and vehicles, followed the death of a forklift operator, identified as David Yelsa, during the course of his duties.

Addressing both parties, Idahosa appealed for calm, assuring them that the state government would carry out a thorough and impartial investigation to determine both the immediate and remote causes of the incident.

During the visit, the deputy governor inspected damaged facilities and vehicles within the company’s premises. He also met with Chinese expatriates, one of whom reportedly sustained injuries while fleeing the violence.

Company officials explained that Yelsa died after the forklift he was operating allegedly veered off the edge of a culvert while he was disposing of industrial waste. According to the company, the operator was thrown from the machine before it landed on him, causing fatal injuries.

However, after inspecting the accident scene, Idahosa raised concerns over what he described as apparent gaps in the handling of the incident.

He questioned why the forklift had been moved from the scene before investigators arrived and observed the absence of visible blood stains and Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) coverage around the accident site.

The deputy governor also expressed concern over the company’s workplace safety practices, noting the apparent lack of adequate personal protective equipment for workers, absence of an onsite clinic and the unavailability of a basic first-aid box for emergency response.

Explaining the purpose of the visit, Idahosa said Governor Okpebholo directed him to assess the extent of the damage and gather preliminary facts surrounding the incident.

“The Executive Governor of Edo State instructed me to come and ascertain the level of destruction and damage in this facility,” he said.

While acknowledging Rongtai Group’s contributions to the state’s economy, Idahosa said government remained committed to protecting both investors and workers.

“This is Rongtai Group, and they have about 23 companies under the group with an employee strength of roughly 20,000 people. We appreciate their contribution to the growth and development of Edo State and their role in expanding our economy.

“However, we have also been informed that a forklift operator unfortunately lost his life while carrying out his duties. We visited the accident scene, and a number of concerns were raised.

“As a government, we will direct the Ministries of Health, Labour, and Public Safety and Environment to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death and submit their findings to the Governor.”

Idahosa said preliminary observations had already yielded useful information but stressed that the final position of the government would be based on the outcome of the multi-ministerial investigation.

During the visit, the Managing Director of Rongtai Aluminium Group, Mr. Liu Chang, alongside the company’s spokesman, Mr. Simon Tan, briefed the deputy governor on management’s account of the incident and the impact of the violence on production activities.

Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Hon. Ericsson Osawaru, described the relationship between the council and the company as cordial, although he acknowledged that language barriers had occasionally affected communication between management and the host community.

He assured that government would continue to work towards protecting residents while creating an enabling environment for investors.

Also speaking, the company’s external solicitor, Imasuen Osadebamen Felix, said the deceased died while carrying out official duties and alleged that attempts to convey his remains to the mortuary were disrupted by angry youths from the community.

According to him, the vehicle conveying the body was forced back to the factory, after which protesters allegedly invaded the industrial complex, vandalised facilities and equipment and carted away computers and other property.

He disclosed that security agencies arrested 35 suspects in connection with the incident, adding that five of those arrested were later identified as employees of the company.

Felix commended the Edo State Government and security agencies for their prompt intervention, saying their swift response prevented the situation from deteriorating further.

Presenting the community’s position, the Okaighele (Youth Leader) of Utesi Community, Mr. Osas Airumwona, said residents reacted after receiving information that the deceased’s body was allegedly being transported in a Hilux vehicle alongside factory waste.

According to him, members of the deceased’s family questioned why no security personnel accompanied the vehicle if it was indeed conveying the body to a mortuary.

Airumwona also cited what he described as longstanding grievances between the community and the company, including alleged poor corporate social responsibility and previous disputes, as factors that heightened tensions before the violence.

The Edo State Government said the investigation would establish the facts surrounding the worker’s death, assess compliance with workplace safety regulations and recommend appropriate actions aimed at ensuring justice for the deceased, protecting workers’ welfare and sustaining investor confidence in the state.