By Augustine Aminu
Inner Galaxy Steel Company Nigeria limited, a Chinese company based in Abia state has dismissed, as fake news, social media reports of alleged cover up in the death of a female crane operator of the company.
The said news claimed that the female crane operator, Miss Vivian Ocheze Munachim, was pushed to her death from the crane she was operating, allegedly by a Chinese staff of the company.
Miss Munachim has died as a result of injuries she sustained when she fell down from the crane she was operating on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
The reports also claimed that the late Miss Munachim died after being pushed, allegedly by a Chinese staff off the crane.
Describing the said report as incorrect, a statement by Mr. Ceng Jing, Public Affairs Manager at the Inner Galaxy Steel Co. Nig. Ltd gave the other side of the story believed to be correct.
MrJing 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.
He said that other Nigerian staff who witnessed the accident have made statements confirming what happened.
The statement reads: “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 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 and 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 member 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.
“We appreciate your understanding and support during this difficult time and urge you to refrain from spreading unsubstantiated rumors and allow the authorities to complete their investigation,” the statement said.
