Police arrest hoodlums who stabbed trader to death over N1,500 in Ogun market

CITIZENS COMPASS– Barely ten days after some hoodlums stabbed a trader to death over N1,500 levy in Ifo Market, Ogun State, the Nigeria Police Force on Wednesday, said it has arrested some suspects.

Citizens Compass reported that the deceased, Mrs. Blessing Eze, was stabbed to death when some hoodlums stormed the market to collect N1,500 levy for the just concluded Eid-El-Fitri celebration.

Citizens Compass reported that the deceased who was arranging her goods at that time was said to have told them to come back for the money but one of them, a male, was said to have dismantled the goods and this resulted in a serious argument.

He was said to have reached for a sword and stabbed the trader to death.

In solidarity, the kinsmen of the trader declared four days morning with trading activities suspended in the market.

This was to draw the government’s attention to what they described as incessant attacks on their kinsmen.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ifo Police Division, SP Kamorudeen Olabisi said that a number of arrests have been made following the killing.

He said the incident occurred on Friday, June 6, 2025.

The DPO spoke at a peace meeting called by the Chairman of Ifo Local Government, Hon. Idris Olalekan Kusimo, to douse the tension caused by the death of the woman.

SP Olabisi noted that the 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 brought together 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.

Extending heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and the entire Igbo community, Kusimo expressed deep appreciation to 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, Hon. Kusimo 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.

Hon. 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 Hon. 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 Hon. 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. He also thanked Governor Abiodun for the commendable work being done across the state.