A Chinese national working at Inner Galaxy Steel Company has allegedly been accused of pushing a young female employee, Ocheze Ogbonna, to her death from a crane.
According to reports, Ogbonna’s death sparked outrage in Umuahala community, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.
Angry youths stormed the company in protest but was reportedly dispersed by Nigerian Army personnel, who allegedly shot one Light Chimeko Ahuruonye, one of the demonstrators.
In other reports, Ahuruonye is currently battling with his life after his condition prevented local medical facilities from admitting him, and his family is making arrangements to transport him to a city hospital.
Speaking to newsmen, a community leader, who pleaded anonymity, vowed that the youths would relentlessly pursue justice for their deceased sister.
When the Abia Police Public Relations Officer ASP Maureen Chinaka was contacted on the matter, she replied, “I will get back to you on that.”
In 2020, a Twitter investigation shared by user @Truthfully83 exposed concerning allegations about Inner Galaxy Group’s labor practices. The investigation claims the company operates like a “modern-day slave camp” with over 1,000 Nigerian workers subjected to brutal working conditions.
The reports alleged that workers are reportedly forced to work seven days a week, from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm, with no breaks or time off.
The investigation also alleged that Nigerian employees are referred to as “master” or “mistress” by their Chinese supervisors and subjected to daily physical and sexual assault.
The company allegedly confined workers to company-provided housing during the COVID-19 pandemic, denying them freedom of movement.
The investigation further alleges the company uses extensive camera surveillance to monitor workers and restrict any form of assembly, unionization, or protest.
