Chinese Steel Coy Clears Air Over Death Of Female Worker In Abia

Following the controversy generated by the death of one of its female workers, Inner Galaxy Steel Company Nigeria Limited, based in Abia State, has clarified the events leading to the death of the female staff of the company, denying any foul play in the incident.

Miss Vivian Ocheze Munachim, a crane operator with the company, reportedly died as a result of injuries she sustained when she fell down from the crane she was operating on Tueday, May 21, 2024.

However, controversy has trailed the cause of the accident with allegation on social media that she was pushed to her death from the crane by a Chinese staff of the company.

In a statement made available to the journalists and signed by the spokesperson of the company, Mr Ceng Jing, it stated that the unfortunate incident happened when the deceased fell asleep while operating the crane and lost control, thereby falling down, which led to her death. Jing noted that other Nigerian workers, who witnessed the accident, have made statements confirming what actually happened on the fateful day.

The statement read: “We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. 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 rumours 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.”