Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Addis Standard2
Published on 2024-03-16 07:36:49
The Wonji Sugar Factory in Ethiopia has recently experienced a tragic incident involving five of its workers who were held hostage for two weeks. The workers were unfortunately found dead, with their bodies discovered outside the factory premises in a rural area known as Khacha. This heartbreaking news was confirmed by an official of the factory who spoke to the BBC on the condition of anonymity on March 15, 2024.
The identities of the deceased workers have been revealed as Bekele Tirunehi, Teshome Heramo, Yalew Temesgen, Girma Belachew, and Kamil Abdurhaman. Three of the victims hailed from the Wonji area, with their funerals already held, while one was from Adama city and the other from Dessie town in the Amhara region. It was reported that four of the deceased worked as tractor operators at the factory for a considerable amount of time, while the fifth victim had been employed as an electrician for around a year.
The factory manager disclosed that the workers were abducted by an armed group in Dodota district, located in the East Arsi Zone of the Oromia region where the factory is situated. This tragic incident has left a void in the hearts of the employees and the community as a whole.
Wonji Sugar Factory, established in 1954, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest sugar factories in Ethiopia. With an installed capacity to crush 6,250 tons of cane daily and produce 174,946 tons of sugar annually, the factory plays a significant role in the country’s sugar industry. The factory’s management has expressed their deep sorrow and condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased workers.
The news of this unfortunate event has deeply impacted the local community and the employees of the Wonji Sugar Factory. The loss of these five workers has sent shockwaves through the region, and there is a collective sense of grief and sorrow among all those who knew them. The factory has vowed to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families.
In conclusion, the tragic loss of the five workers from Wonji Sugar Factory has left a profound impact on the community. Their untimely deaths have raised serious concerns about the safety and security of workers in the area. It is imperative for the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this incident and take necessary measures to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future. The memories of the deceased workers will forever be cherished, and their contributions to the factory and the community will never be forgotten.
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