Businesses owned by South-East traders in Ifo, Ogun State, remained shut on Saturday, June 7, 2025, following the brutal killing of an Igbo woman, Blessing Eze, who was stabbed to death by suspected touts demanding festival tax during the recent Eid Mubarak celebration.
According to multiple eyewitnesses and members of the Igbo Market Union, the fatal incident occurred on Friday, June 6, 2025, when a group of young men, allegedly collecting money on behalf of local authorities for the Muslim festival, demanded ₦1500 from each trader in the market.
Chiamaka Eze, a fellow trader who spoke to Reporter, recounted the tragedy: “The incident happened on Friday when some touts began taxing traders over the Eid Mubarak festival. Each trader was asked to pay ₦1500. When they got to Mrs. Eze, she explained that she didn’t have the money at the moment and pleaded that they return later.”
She continued, “Instead of leaving, they started scattering her goods. She held one of them and asked him to help rearrange her items properly. She told them she would pay later after making some sales. But one of them pulled out a knife and stabbed her in the chest. She died shortly after.”
The horrifying incident has sparked a wave of outrage, with market leaders and traders demanding swift justice. “We are mourning the loss of one of our own, and we demand justice,” said Simon Uchenna, a member of the Igbo Market Union. “Before this woman’s death, we had been experiencing assault and intimidation from these groups of touts.”
According to Uchenna, the market union has declared a four-day mourning period. During this time, all Igbo traders will shut their shops, refuse to display their goods, and instead focus on peaceful protests calling for government action.
“The Ogun State Government must step in and ensure that those responsible for this murder are arrested and prosecuted,” he added. “We can’t continue living in fear of those who believe they are above the law.”
One trader recalled a similar ordeal last year. “My wife was stabbed by the son of the Baba Loja (market head), Waheed. We reported to the police, but they told us to drop the case because the boy had strong connections,” he said, visibly emotional.
Another trader, Okoye Chizoba, questioned the forced nature of the collection. “Festival money shouldn’t be by force, it should be of free will. Now a life has been wasted. These touts act like they’re untouchable — and sadly, they often are.”
As the protest continues, normal market activities in Ifo remain paralyzed. Shoppers have been left stranded while traders say they will not reopen until justice is served.
“True to their words, they’ll kill you and nothing will happen. Human life now means nothing, not even to the government,” Chizoba added bitterly.
The traders are not only demanding the arrest of the killer but also a permanent end to unlawful taxation, harassment, and violence by touts in the market. They also call for security reinforcement to safeguard businesses and ensure such tragic events do not reoccur.
“May her soul rest in peace,” the traders said in unison, as they lit candles and displayed placards demanding #JusticeForBlessingEze.
