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Tragedy Strikes at Info Market in Ogun State
A tragic incident has thrown the Info Market in Ogun State into mourning, following the killing of a female trader identified as Mrs. Blessing Eze, who was allegedly stabbed to death over a dispute involving a ₦1,500 levy for the June 6th Eid Mubarak prayers.
TJ News Nigeria gathered that the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, June 6, 2025, when a group of men suspected to be Islamic religious extremists stormed the market, demanding that traders pay a compulsory levy of ₦1,500 per shop to fund the Eid celebration.
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According to eyewitnesses, the assailants began harassing and extorting traders as soon as they arrived, insisting on immediate payment. When Mrs. Eze, a respected businesswoman in the market, politely informed them that she had not made any sales yet and asked them to return later, the situation quickly escalated.
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Victim Fatally Stabbed After Resisting Vandalism
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TJ News Nigeria reports that the group allegedly began destroying the woman’s goods in a bid to force payment. In defense of her property, she confronted one of the attackers and demanded that they compensate her for the damaged items.
Eyewitnesses said one of the men reportedly drew a knife and stabbed her in the chest inside her shop. She collapsed instantly and was confirmed dead before help could arrive.
The suspects fled the scene immediately, and local authorities are currently investigating the incident.
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Police Launch Manhunt as Public Outcry Grows
The Ogun State Police Command has condemned the act and launched a manhunt for the suspects. A spokesperson for the command confirmed that an investigation is underway and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.
“We have intensified surveillance and community engagement in the area. This is a criminal matter and not religious. No one will be allowed to go unpunished,” the spokesperson stated.
Meanwhile, the Info Market has been closed temporarily, and market leaders have called on security agencies to ensure maximum protection of lives and property.
Outrage on Social Media
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The killing has sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with many Nigerians demanding justice for the slain woman. The hashtag #JusticeForBlessingEze has begun trending across multiple platforms.
Many users questioned how an alleged religious group could impose a mandatory levy for prayers and resort to violence against those unable to pay. Several commentators have urged Islamic leaders to publicly denounce the act to prevent further tensions.
Religious and Community Leaders React
Prominent Islamic clerics in the South-West have distanced themselves from the suspects, describing their actions as criminal and un-Islamic. One leader noted that Islam promotes charity but does not condone forced collection or violence in any form.
“No imam or Islamic organization will authorize such extortion. These people acted on their own, and justice must prevail,” a cleric in Abeokuta said.
Community leaders also emphasized the need for religious tolerance and stronger market security, especially during festive periods.
Calls for Justice and Accountability
Human rights activists have called on the Ogun State Government and relevant authorities to ensure that this case is not swept under the rug.
TJ News Nigeria learnt that civil society groups are mobilizing for a peaceful protest to demand urgent action from the state and federal governments.
They insist that the tragic fate of Mrs. Eze should serve as a wake-up call to confront issues of religious extremism, criminal extortion, and lack of accountability in public markets.
Family Demands Swift Action
The family of the deceased has expressed shock and devastation over the incident. A relative who spoke to reporters said:
“She was only trying to survive. She didn’t refuse to pay; she just asked them to come back later. This is cruel and heartbreaking.”
They are calling for immediate arrest and prosecution of the attackers, adding that no amount of justice can bring her back, but accountability is crucial to prevent future tragedies.
What Happens Next?
As investigations continue, public focus remains on how the Ogun State Police and other security agencies will respond. The attack raises questions about the growing insecurity in markets and the unchecked activities of groups operating under religious pretexts.
For now, justice for Mrs. Blessing Eze has become a rallying cry across communities — a call for rule of law, respect for human life, and protection of Nigerian citizens regardless of ethnicity or religion.
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