South-East Traders Shut Shops in Ogun to Protest Killing of Igbo Woman by Alleged Tax Touts

Traders from the South-East in Ifo, Ogun State, have shut down their shops in protest following the brutal killing of an Igbo woman, Blessing Eze, allegedly by touts enforcing festival tax collections. The incident, which took place during the Eid Mubarak celebrations on Friday, June 6, has sparked outrage across the market community.

Witnesses say that Eze was approached by a group of men demanding ₦1500 as part of an unofficial festival levy. She reportedly explained that she had not made any sales and asked them to return later. The men allegedly began destroying her goods, leading to a confrontation in which one of them stabbed her in the chest. She later died from her injuries.

Market traders who spoke to SaharaReporters on Saturday said the act was not only senseless but also part of a long-standing pattern of harassment and extortion in the market. “The touts demanded ₦1500 from every trader for the Eid celebration,” said Chiamaka Eze, a fellow trader. “When they got to her, she pleaded with them, but they started damaging her wares. She asked one of them to fix her goods properly, saying she would pay later, but he stabbed her instead.”

The Igbo Market Union has since declared a four-day mourning period in her honour. Traders will not display goods during this time and will focus on protests calling for justice. Simon Uchenna, a member of the market union, said they have faced repeated threats and assaults from the same group of individuals who roam the market demanding money under the guise of cultural or religious events.

“We are mourning the loss of one of our own,” Uchenna said. “These touts have terrorised us for too long. We are calling on the Ogun State Government to intervene and ensure the killer is brought to justice.”

Other traders shared similar experiences of violence and intimidation. One recalled how his wife was stabbed last year by the son of the market head, and how police discouraged him from pursuing the case due to the suspect’s connections. “In Nigeria, someone can kill you and tell you to your face that nothing will happen,” he said.

The killing of Blessing Eze has caused widespread disruption in the market, as traders and customers grapple with shock and grief. “Festival money shouldn’t be by force,” said Okoye Chizoba, another trader. “This country keeps devaluing human life. Even those who are supposed to protect us have failed.”

Traders are urging the government to clamp down on illegal tax collection and provide better security to protect those who make a living in the market. They have vowed to continue their protests until justice is served and those responsible are held accountable.

As the mourning period continues, traders have paid their final respects to Blessing Eze, saying, “May her soul rest in peace.”