Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Police said they have launched investigations into the death of a Nigerian female crane operator allegedly pushed down from the crane by a Chinese staff.
Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Maureen Chinaka, stated this in a statement in Umuahia.
“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,” the statement said.
Similarly, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, said that Government had equally commenced investigations into the matter.
He said, Government would not be kind with anyone found culpable.
Ekeoma said Government would ensure the victim got justice if anyone was the cause of her death.
Meanwhile, Inner Galaxy Steel Company Nigeria limited, a Chinese company based in Abia State, has debunked media speculation that a lady crane operator with the company 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 is reported to have died as a result of injuries she sustained when she fell down from the crane she was operating on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
Her death, has, however, sparked controversy in the area, leading to a protest by the community.
In a statement made available to the media and signed by the Public Affairs Manager of the company Mr Ceng Jing, said that “the unfortunate incident happened when she fell asleep while operating the crane and lost control, thereby failing down which led to her death,” noting that other Nigerian staff who witnessed the accident have made statements confirming what happened.
The statement read in part: 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 equipments were vandalised 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 vandalisation 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 rumours and allow the authorities to complete their investigation.”
There has been palpable tension in the area since the incident occured.
