The 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 was reported to have died as a result of injuries she sustained when she fell from the crane she was operating on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
However, controversy has trailed the cause of the accident.
A statement made available to the media and signed by the Public Affairs Manager of the company, Mr. Ceng Jing, stated that the unfortunate incident happened when she fell asleep while operating the crane and lost control, thereby falling down which led to her death.
He noted that other Nigerian staffs 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 have made statements.
“Unfortunately, instead of telling the truth, some people choose 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 which led 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 Munachim.
“The police are currently investigating the matter and we are cooperating with them fully.”
