A student of the University of Ibadan (UI) Gbadebo Richard has died after slipping into a soap-making machine at a factory owned by Henkel Nigeria Limited, manufacturers of WAW detergent and bar soap.
Mr Gbadebo was said to be in his third year reading European Studies. He took the job as a machine operator at the factory located in Oluyole, Ibadan, Oyo State due to the closure of schools caused by COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement, the Association of Faculty of Arts Students of UI said: “It is completely disheartening to announce the death of Mr Gbadebo Richard, a 300 level student of the Department of European Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan.
“Your fervor to become greater in life was cut short by your sudden death. Team Evolution uses this medium to sympathise with the family of our late AFASITE who was active, effective, and diligent in studies. We pray that God be with the family and wipe out similar occurrences.”
Gbadebo was on the night shift when the incident occurred.
His co-workers only knew about his death when they saw blood coming out from the other side of the machine.
Gbadebo was interred on Wednesday after his father retrieved the corpse from the company’s premises.
Enraged by the incident, some persons who claim to be former workers of the company accused the firm on social media of poor safety measures.
The firm, however, said on Twitter that it was grieved by the tragic incident and had contacted the bereaved family.
“The tragic incident shakes us and we assure you that we will do everything we can to clarify its cause. Our deepest sympathy goes to Richard’s family. We are in contact with them and will provide the necessary support in this difficult time.
“Out of respect, we will not make any further statement at this time. It was important for us to personally console his family before we comment on the incident on public channels,” the tweets read.
