- Safiu Kehinde
The Ifo Police Division, has arraigned suspects linked to the killing of a trader, Mrs. Blessing Eze, at Ifo Market in Ogun State.
NPO Report gathered that the incident occured Friday when altercation broke out between the deceased trader and an unidentified tout over her refusal to pay a so-called “festival tax.”
The tout had, according to eyewitness, demanded N1,500 from Mrs. Eze, a fee allegedly tied to the Eid Mubarak celebrations.
Following her refusal to pay, the assailant allegedly stabbed her to death.
This had angered the local Igbo community who shut down their shops while storming to the house of the the alleged killer’s father where he had fled.
According to report, the father upon learning what his son had done, handed him over to an angry mob made up of both Yoruba and Igbo locals.
The mob, seeking immediate justice, beat the suspect severely before police intervened.
He was rushed to the hospital where he was also pronounced dead due to the extent of his injuries.
In the wake of the event, the Chairman of Ifo Local Government, Hon. Idris Olalekan Kusimo, called for a peace meeting to douse the tension caused by the death of the woman.
Speaking at the meeting, the Ifo Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Kamorudeen Olabisi, noted that other touts involved in the incident have been arrested, charged to court, and remanded at the Ilaro Correctional Facility.
He urged traders to report all forms of extortion, harassment, or violence to security agencies, while assuring the public that investigations are ongoing and additional arrests would follow.
Also speaking at the meeting, Hon. Kusimo said a full-scale investigation has been ordered into the killing of the woman.
The investigation, according to him, will unravel the circumstances that led to the death of the trader.
The meeting also had in attendance political leaders, security agencies, the representative of the Olu of Ifo, transport union leaders, the Igbo community, and other key stakeholders to address rising tensions and ensure that justice is served.
Kusimo condemned the killing, describing it as unacceptable and a departure from the values of Ifo’s peace-loving people, and vowed that all perpetrators would be brought to justice.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and the entire Igbo community.
Kusimo also expressed deep appreciation to the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, for his timely intervention and fatherly role in ensuring peace in Ifo market and across the entire local government area.
Appealing for calm, the Ifo LG Chairman reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence, preventing future violence, and upholding law and order.
He commended the Nigeria Police, DSS, Amotekun, and other security agencies for their swift response and ongoing efforts to stabilize the market environment.
On his part, Monday Chukwuji, from the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Inter-Ethnic Affairs, reiterated the State Government’s unwavering commitment to resolving the crisis and fostering inter-ethnic harmony.
High Chief Theophilus Ikpeghibum, Babaloja of the Ndi’gbo Traders, applauded Kusimo’s efforts but called for an immediate end to the illegal collection of fees and extortion by market miscreants.
Representative of the Olu of Ifo, Chief Tijani Adesina, described the Igbo community as peaceful and integral to Ifo society.
He condemned the attack and assured that the palace is taking decisive steps to stop the activities of criminal elements around the market.
Also speaking, Chief Willy Okonkwo, Eze Ndi’gbo of Ogun State, commended Kusimo for his proactive leadership and efforts in diffusing tensions.
He urged Igbo traders in Ifo market to remain peaceful and maintain harmony with their host community.
The Igbo leader also thanked Governor Abiodun for the commendable work being done across the state.