Igbo Traders in Ifo, Ogun State Shut Down Businesses in Protest Over Killing of Woman

 Igbo Traders in Ifo, Ogun State Shut Down Businesses in Protest Over Killing of Woman

NewsMirror – June 8, 2025

Tension is high in Ifo, Ogun State, following the tragic death of a woman identified as Mrs. Blessing Eze, a mother of two, who was reportedly stabbed to death by a group of touts demanding money for the Eid Mubarak festival held on June 6, 2025.

According to eyewitness accounts, the touts approached traders in the area, demanding ₦1,500 each as a form of 'festival levy.' When they got to Mrs. Eze, she explained that she had not made any sales and did not have the money at the time but was willing to pay later. Angered by her response, the touts allegedly began destroying her goods. In an attempt to stop them, Mrs. Eze confronted one of the touts and pleaded for understanding. The situation escalated, and one of the men stabbed her in the chest. She later succumbed to her injuries.

In response to the incident, the Igbo Market Union in Ifo closed their shops in solidarity and mourning. The traders declared a four-day shutdown, during which they will not open for business but instead stage peaceful protests, calling on relevant authorities—especially the Ogun State Government—to take immediate action.

Union members revealed that this is not an isolated case. They say Igbo traders in the area have long faced harassment and intimidation from touts operating under the guise of local levies. One trader recounted a disturbing incident from the previous year, where his wife was stabbed by the son of the market leader (Baba Loja), Waheed. Despite reporting the case to the police, he was advised to drop it for his safety, as the assailant was said to be highly connected and dangerous.

The traders are demanding justice for Mrs. Eze and are urging the state government to investigate the incident thoroughly and hold the perpetrators accountable. They stressed that any festival donation should be voluntary and not enforced through violence or extortion.