Edo State government has intervened in the crisis between Rongtai Group of Companies and its host community, Utesi, in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state.

This followed last Thursday’s violent unrest that resulted in extensive destruction of company property. Crisis reportedly began after the death of one David Yelsa, a forklift operator with Rongtai Aluminium Group.

Deputy governor of the state, Dennis Idahosa, who visited the community to have a one-to-one interaction with the waring parties, said he was mandated by Governor Monday Okpebholo to visit the industrial facility and assess the damage, engage both the company’s management and community representatives, and restore calm.

In a statement by the Deputy Governor Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, Idahosa assured all parties of a thorough government investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a company employee that triggered the unrest.

Company officials said the deceased was fatally injured when the forklift he was operating allegedly developed a fault, overturned at the edge of 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 informing relevant stakeholders.

The protest later turned violent, with vehicles, equipment and other facilities within the factory vandalised.

During the visit, Idahosa toured the accident scene and the damaged sections of the factory and also met with Chinese expatriate workers, some of whom narrated how they fled during the violence, while one displayed injuries allegedly sustained in the attack.

The Deputy Governor, however, expressed concern over inconsistencies surrounding the accident, questioning why the forklift involved had been removed before investigators arrived and why there were no visible traces of blood or CCTV footage covering the accident location.

He also criticised the company’s workplace safety standards, noting the absence of adequate protective equipment for workers, a functional medical clinic, and even a basic first aid box within the facility.

Addressing representatives of the company and the host community, Idahosa reiterated the state government’s commitment to uncovering the truth.

“The Executive Governor of Edo State directed me to assess the level of destruction and establish the facts surrounding the unfortunate incident.

“While Rongtai remains a major investor contributing significantly 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, and Public Safety and Environment would immediately commence a comprehensive investigation into the worker’s death, with their findings to be submitted to Governor Okpebholo.

According to him, although preliminary observations had been made during this visit, the government’s final position would be based strictly on the outcome of the official investigation.”

The Deputy Governor concluded by appealing for calm from all parties while the government carried out proper investigation into the matter.

Managing Director of Rongtai Aluminium Group, Mr. Liu Chang bemoaned the level of destruction suffered by the company as a result of the crisis.

On his part, Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Hon. Ericsson Osawaru, described the relationship between the council and the company as generally cordial, attributing part of the misunderstanding to communication challenges arising from language barriers.

He assured that the local government would continue to support measures that protect both residents and investors.

Speaking for the host community, the Okaighele (Youth Leader), Mr. Osas Airumwona said 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 with the community.