Jumia responds to death of staff who reportedly suffocated on duty

Following reports of the death of a staff that has trailed online retail store, Jumia, the company has made an official statement, which was exclusively obtained by Pulse.

According to multiple reports, the staff Ola Sanusi, suffocated to death on Monday, February 8, while working in the company's warehouse which, according to some employees, is as hot as a oven.

Sanusi was said to be preparing to marry his pregnant fiancée before death came calling.

In an email correspondence with our reporters at Pulse, Jumia confirmed the unfortunate incident;

"We regret to announce the passing of our dear colleague, Ola Sanusi Ola Sanusi tragically died on Monday as he was seated in one of our inventory rooms, proceeding to perform a cycle count.

We could gather from the video footage that he experienced pains in his chest and collapsed just after. His colleagues reacted very quickly and he was rushed to the hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival”, a rep for the company tells Pulse.

The rep says that Sanusi's family has been invited to the company to watch the footage that shows the moments leading up to the man's death.

"We have been in close contact with Ola’s family, who have had the opportunity to examine the location of the incident, including the video recordings", the company's rep. said.

Recalling Sanusi's time with the company and the tragedy, the statement read in part;

“Ola joined the company when it launched in March 2013 and has been a great colleague and team member ever since. He was part of the Inbound Team at AIG-Express and worked as an operator. He was a diligent, committed and highly valued member of the team in his 3 years with the company”.

The company also implores the public to give Sanusi's family privacy to mourn him;

"We wish to respect Ola’s family and invite everyone in this difficult time to respect their grief and need for privacy and mourning. We have extended our deepest condolences to his family and his friends during this difficult time and will continue to support them as much as need be", it reads.

While mourning Ola, e-commerce logistics initiative, AIG-Express tell Pulse that the physical conditions and mental demands fit 'best operating practices' that have been approved by the Lagos State Government.

"AIG-Express confirms that the work conditions in its warehouse are in line with all local and international laws and best operating practices. The Warehouse is regularly inspected by the relevant authorities of the Lagos State Government.

All members of staff of AIG-Express, are subject to its comprehensive health insurance policy, which entitles staff to out-patient and in-patient care, prescription drugs, evacuation to hospitals and other care.

Ola’s passing has been a great loss for the entire AIG-Express family and he will be greatly missed by all of us".

Jumia is one of the leading online retail stores in Nigeria – servicing thousands of Nigerians the need to shop on the internet with speedy delivery to their desired locations.