Irate workers have attacked the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa, Ogun State, destroying buildings and other valuables at the gate and within the complex.
The workers, mostly youths, decided to visit their anger on Goodwill Ceramics, a company in the free trade zone, accusing the management of making them to work despite the Coronavirus pandemic lockdown without adequate welfare and remuneration.
The workers, who claimed to gave been held in the premises for two weeks without sufficient feeding and later released without remuneration, easily overpowered security guards at the expansive gate of the free trade zone complex, before proceeding to destroy everything in sight. Trucks used in conveying goods and materials parked outside the premises also had their windscreens smashed.
A police patrol vehicle was parked close to the complex as the mob action was going on but it was apparent that the security personnel were outnumbered and lacked the facilities to confront the youths. The free trade zone jointly owned by the China’s Guangdong and Ogun State Government was established in 2008. It is run by a joint venture between a Chinese conglomerate called China African Investment Company (CAIC) and the Ogun State Government.
Industries in the zone focus on producing furniture, lightweight objects and ceramics. They provide employment to hundreds of youths in the Igbesa community.