The Edo State Government has launched an investigation into the death of David Yelsa, an employee of Rongtai Group of Companies, after the incident triggered violent unrest and widespread destruction of the company’s property in Utesi, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Friday Aghedo, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday in Benin.
According to the statement, Governor Monday Okpebholo, who is currently in the United Kingdom, directed Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa to visit the factory, assess the extent of the damage, engage with the company’s management and host community, and restore calm.
The government assured residents and the company of a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the worker’s death.
Preliminary findings showed that Yelsa, a forklift operator with Rongtai Aluminium Group, was fatally injured after the forklift he was operating reportedly developed a fault, overturned near a culvert and crushed him.
The incident sparked protests by members of the host community, who alleged that the company attempted to remove the deceased’s body from the premises without following due process or notifying the appropriate authorities and his family.
The protest later turned violent, with vehicles, equipment and other factory facilities vandalised.
During his visit, Idahosa inspected the accident scene and the damaged sections of the factory. He also met with Chinese expatriate workers, some of whom said they fled during the violence, while one displayed injuries allegedly sustained during the attack.
The deputy governor, however, raised concerns over inconsistencies surrounding the incident, questioning why the forklift involved had been moved before investigators arrived and why there were no visible bloodstains or CCTV footage covering the accident location.
He also criticised the company’s workplace safety standards, citing the absence of adequate protective equipment, a functional medical clinic and even a basic first aid box within the facility.
Addressing representatives of the company and the host community, Idahosa reaffirmed the state’s commitment to uncovering the truth.
“Governor Monday Okpebholo directed me to assess the level of destruction and establish the facts surrounding this unfortunate incident. While Rongtai remains a major investor contributing to Edo State’s economy and employment, every worker’s life is valuable and must be protected,” he said.
He disclosed that the Ministries of Health, Labour, Public Safety and Environment had been directed to conduct a comprehensive investigation, with their findings to be submitted to the governor.
According to him, the government’s final position would be based solely on the outcome of the official investigation.
Idahosa appealed for calm and urged all parties to allow the investigation to run its course.
Managing Director of Rongtai Aluminium Group, Liu Chang, expressed concern over the extensive damage suffered by the company during the unrest.
Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Hon. Ericsson Osawaru, described the relationship between the council and the company as cordial, attributing part of the misunderstanding to communication challenges caused by language barriers. He pledged the council’s support for efforts aimed at protecting both residents and investors.
The company’s external solicitor, Imasuen Felix, said Yelsa died while carrying out his duties and alleged that attempts to move his body to the mortuary were disrupted by protesting youths, who forced the vehicle back into the factory before vandalising facilities and carting away computers and other equipment.
He added that security agencies arrested 35 suspects, including five employees of the company.
Speaking on behalf of the host community, the Okaighele (Youth Leader), Osas Airumwona, maintained that residents acted after receiving information that the deceased’s body was allegedly being transported from the factory without the presence of security personnel or members of his family.
He also accused the company of failing to fulfil its corporate social responsibility obligations and cited previous disagreements between the company and the host community.
