Abia Civil Society Network (ACSON), a group committed to the promotion of civil rights and justice within the community, has expressed grave concerns over the alleged tragic and untimely death of Vivian Ocheze Munachi, which occurred Monday, May 20, 2024, in the premises of Inner Galaxy Company, a steel manufacturing firm located in Umuahala Village, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.
The group in an open letter to Governor Alex Otti and jointly signed by Amaka Biachi, conveyor I; Cassius Ukwugbe, conveyor II and Okoye, Chuka Peter, executive secretary, prayed for his urgent intervention in the alleged killing of the lady, by one G.Z Zheng, a Chinese national and a manager at Inner Galaxy Steel Company.
It was alleged that Ocheze was allegedly pushed down to her death, by G.Z. Zhen, following a heated altercation.
The altercation reportedly ensued after Ocheze informed Zhen of her pregnancy, for which he refused to take responsibility.
The confrontation escalated into a physical struggle, during which Zhen allegedly pushed Ocheze from an upstairs location, causing her to fall onto heavy metals and stones, resulting in her instant death.
This incident understandably caused an uproar and considerable distress within the Umuahala community and beyond.
As the Chief Security Officer of the state, committed to justice and the rule of law, the group urged Otti, to use his esteemed good offices to take immediate and decisive action to ensure that thorough investigation is carried out to unravel the circumstances that led to Ocheze’s death.
They also urged the governor to ensure that the perpetrator of the heinous act is prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
For corporate accountability, they called for search of Inner Galaxy Company for any potential breaches of safety and ethical standards, and take appropriate action, if the company is found culpable.
The group also appealed that necessary support be provided for her family.
“No individual, regardless of nationality or position, should be above the law. In anticipation of your immediate response to this grave matter, we trust that justice will be served promptly to uphold the rule of law, and ensure that persons are deterred from such extreme acts of violence,” they said
