Six-term United Nations envoy and Executive Director of Women Aid Collective (WACOL), Prof. Joy Ezeilo (SAN), has strongly condemned the brutal murder of a trader, Mrs. Blessing Eze, by touts at Iyana-Oja Market in Ifo, Ogun State.
The murder was sparked by Mrs. Eze’s refusal to pay a “festival contribution” of ₦1,500 according to reports.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, Ezeilo, an activist, and a former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking persons in Africa, stated that the murder was unacceptable and highly condemnable.
She noted that the brutal murder of Mrs. Eze is a stark reminder of the unchecked lawlessness and impunity in our society.
“Justice for Blessing Eze, a trader whose life was tragically taken by touts who preyed on the public for money, is urgently needed. The brutal murder of Mrs. Eze is a stark reminder of the unchecked lawlessness and impunity in our society. She was fatally stabbed at Iyana-Oja Market in Ifo, Ogun State, by touts who demanded a so-called “festival contribution” of ₦1,500—a sum she could not afford, having not sold her goods that day.”
The legal luminary, however, that “this heinous act of gender-based violence underscores a systemic failure of our security institutions to protect vulnerable individuals, especially women.”
Prof. Ezeilo said, “We demand an immediate and thorough investigation by the Nigerian Police Force, the apprehension of those responsible, and a public condemnation from the Governor of Ogun State.”
The incident highlights the need for decisive action to protect the rights and safety of traders, especially women, in informal markets.
Prof. Ezeilo also called for the disbandment of unauthorized revenue collectors and a comprehensive inquiry into the conditions faced by women working in these markets.
“Every Nigerian deserves to live free from fear and oppression,” Prof. Ezeilo emphasized. “Let this tragedy serve as a rallying call for justice and accountability.”
“We owe it to Mrs. Blessing Eze, to her family, and to all who suffer under the weight of injustice to fight with unwavering resolve for a future where no life is callously stolen, and no voice is silenced. The time for decisive action is now,” emphasised.
Ifo trader’s death: Police make arrests, appeal for calm
Meanwhile, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ifo in Ogun, Mr Kamorudeen Olabisi, has confirmed that several arrests have been made in connection with the killing of Mrs Blessing Eze, a trader at Ifo Market, on June 6.
This was made known in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abeokuta by Mr Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Gov. Dapo Abiodun.
The arrests were disclosed during a peace meeting convened by the Chairman of Ifo Local Government, Mr Idris Olalekan Kusimo, aimed at calming tensions following the incident.
Olabisi, alongside political leaders, security agencies, representatives of the Olu of Ifo, transport union leaders, members of the Igbo community, and other stakeholders, assured attendees that justice would be served.
He revealed that the individuals involved in the attack, identified as touts, had been apprehended, charged to court, and remanded at the Ilaro Correctional Facility.
He encouraged traders to report any form of extortion, harassment, or violence to security agencies, assuring the public that investigations were ongoing and that more arrests were likely.
Kusimo also announced that a full-scale investigation had been launched to uncover the circumstances surrounding the killing of Eze.
He condemned the act, describing it as a grave departure from the peaceful values of the Ifo community.
He assured the people that all those responsible would be brought to justice.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and the entire Igbo community, and expressed appreciation to the governor for his timely intervention in restoring peace.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Monday Chukwuji, from the Office of the Special Assistant to the governor on Inter-Ethnic Affairs, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to resolving the crisis and promoting inter-ethnic harmony.
High Chief Theophilus Ikpeghibum, the Babaloja of Ndi’gbo Traders, commended Kusimo’s peace efforts but called for an immediate end to illegal fee collections and extortion by market miscreants.
Chief Tijani Adesina, representing the Olu of Ifo, described the Igbo community as peaceful and integral to Ifo society.
He condemned the attack and assured that the palace was taking steps to eliminate criminal elements in the market area.
Also speaking, Willy Okonkwo, Eze Ndi’gbo of Ogun, praised Kusimo for his leadership in de-escalating tensions and encouraged Igbo traders in Ifo Market to remain peaceful and maintain good relations with the host community.
He also commended the state governor for his ongoing developmental efforts across the state.(NAN)
Ede Nwa Ede
