A disturbing incident unfolded on Saturday at the Abule Ado axis of the Lagos Blue line rail construction project, where two Nigerian workers were reportedly assaulted by a soldier acting on the orders of a Chinese expatriate.
This expatriate is associated with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the company responsible for the electric rapid transit line in Lagos.
The altercation began when the two workers attempted to use the back cabin of a Toyota Hilux belonging to the company after their workday had ended.
Witnesses reported that this action angered the Chinese national, who then instructed the soldier accompanying him to "deal extensively with them till to his satisfaction." The soldier complied, using his gun to physically assault the workers, leaving them severely injured.
This incident is not isolated; it marks the third occurrence of such violence against Nigerian workers at CCECC within a month. Witnesses have expressed outrage over the treatment of these workers, who endure long hours from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Sunday, for wages below N70,000.
One source lamented, "It was so sad, it happened at Abulado yesterday, the Chinese man turned our security operative to slave. A soldier being paid by taxpayers was asked by a foreigner to brutalise same Nigerians, so sad."
The incident has sparked calls for accountability, with demands for the Nigerian army authorities to identify and discipline the soldier involved. Additionally, there are appeals for the Lagos State government to investigate the matter thoroughly, as these workers are integral to the ongoing construction of the Lagos Blue rail line, which stretches from Marina to Okoko.
This event follows another recent controversy involving a Chinese national in Lagos, who was caught on video mutilating Naira notes after officials attempted to seal his company for legal violations. The video, which went viral, showed the individual tearing currency notes in defiance, leading to widespread public outcry and demands for his arrest.
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