In a shocking turn of events, a Chinese national, known only as Yespon, is currently evading authorities after allegedly using an electric shocker on one of his father’s employees. The incident took place at a timber factory in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The victim, Kelvin Godwin, was suspected of stealing flour believed to belong to Yespon’s father, Yenchingin. During the ensuing argument, Yespon allegedly drew out an electric shocker and used it on Godwin, causing him to lose consciousness.
The incident occurred at a timber forest on the Ijebu-Ode-Owa Express Road last Tuesday at about 5.30pm. Godwin was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment by other factory workers, including Yespon’s father.
The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident. She stated that the Obalende Divisional Police Headquarters had intensified efforts to arrest the fleeing suspect. “Our men in the division have intensified efforts to arrest the suspect. However, the father, who is the owner of the factory, has been with the victim, who has been responding to treatment, in the hospital to offer him support.”
This incident is not an isolated case. A similar event reportedly occurred in Kano when another Chinese man, Frank Geng-Quangrong, allegedly stabbed his Nigerian girlfriend, Ummukulsum Sani, to death in Janbulo quarters, Kumbotso LGA of Kano, in September 2022. The suspect was arrested and is currently standing trial for culpable homicide before a Kano High Court.
These incidents raise serious questions about the safety of workers in foreign-owned factories. How can we ensure the protection of workers’ rights? What measures can be taken to prevent such incidents in the future? As the manhunt for Yespon continues, these questions remain unanswered. The Ogun incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stringent regulations and oversight in workplaces. Will this incident be the catalyst for change, or will it be lost in the annals of forgotten news? Only time will tell.