The death of one David Yelsa, an employee of Rongtai Group of Companies in Utesi, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, has led to the massive destruction of the company’s property.

Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, Friday Aghedo, confirmed this in a statement on Saturday in Benin.

Aghedo said Governor Monday Okpebholo, who is currently in the United Kingdom, mandated his principal to visit the company, assess the damage, engage the company’s management and community representatives, and restore calm.

He assured all parties of a thorough government investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the company employee that triggered the unrest.

Investigation revealed that the crisis broke out after the death of Yelsa, a forklift operator with the Rongtai Aluminium Group.

Company officials said the deceased was fatally injured and later died 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 its 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. He 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.