A Chinese foreign worker at Inner Galaxy Steel in GZ Zhen has been placed under arrest on suspicion of killing Ocheze Ogbonna, a female crane operator. Zheh is in police custody; an inquiry has been started, according to ASP Maureen Chinaka, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abia Command.
Chris Nkwonta, the representative for Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency of Abia State in the House of Representatives, stated that Ogbonna died after the Chinese expatriate at the Inner Galaxy Steel Company pushed her from the crane when she rejected his advances.
Nkwonta expressed profound sorrow over Ocheze’s death, condemning the alleged act as wicked. Emphasizing that his constituency is known for peace, he demanded justice for the victim and accused the police of shielding the perpetrator.
“Miss Ocheze Ogbonna’s death orchestrated by a Chinese expatriate is a gross abuse of the rules of engagement and a total disregard for the sanctity of human life and an affront on their host community, Umuahala-Obuzor and the peace loving people of Ukwa West Local Government Area.”
“This barbaric act once again calls to mind the incessant calls by well-meaning Nigerians that the Chinese expatriates operating in Nigeria do not have regard for human lives and must be called to order immediately to avert the breakdown of law and order.
“I strongly condemn the dastardly act and brutal killing of the late Miss Ocheze Ogbonna by the Chinese expatriate who has been identified as Mr Power.
“I hereby call on the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, the Honourable Minister of State, Labour and Productivity, Hon Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), to ensure that the culprit, who I understand is being shielded by the security agents, is brought to book and made to face the full wrath of the law,” he said in a statement.”
The incident caused tension in the area as youths protested the death of the crane operator who also hailed from the host community.