Etim Effiong
A University of Ibadan undergraduate, Gbadebo Richard, 21, has lost his life after falling into a soap-making machine at Henkel Nigeria Limited, makers of WAW detergent and bar soap.
It was learnt that Richard, a 300 Level student of European Studies at UI, was on a holiday job at the factory in Oluyole, Ibadan, Oyo State, due to the closure of schools occasioned by COVID-19.
The Association of Faculty of Arts Students of the university announced his death in a statement, adding, “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 fervour 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.”
The deceased, who was employed as an operator at Henkel Global Industries Ltd, was said to be on the night shift when he unknowingly slipped into the machine that took his life.
It was gathered that the other workers were unaware until they saw blood coming out through the other side of the machine.
The father of the deceased was said to have retrieved his corpse from the premises of the company and the remains were subsequently buried on Wednesday.
The incident, however, was said to have sparked outrage online with some people, who claimed to be former staff of Henkel, complaining about the poor welfare and safety measures at the firm.