Outrage in Ogun as Woman Allegedly Killed by Suspected Religious Extremists Over Eid Levy
Residents of Ogun State have been left in shock and mourning following the reported killing of a female trader, Mrs. Blessing Eze, allegedly murdered by suspected religious extremists during a violent extortion attempt at the popular Info Market.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, June 6, during the Eid al-Adha celebrations, has sparked widespread condemnation online and offline. According to reports shared by social commentator @EmekaGift100 on platform X (formerly Twitter), Mrs. Eze was confronted by a group of young men who claimed to be collecting a compulsory ₦1,500 levy from each shop to “support Eid prayers.”
Eyewitnesses allege that the group approached Mrs. Eze’s stall early in the morning. She reportedly explained that she had not yet made any sales and asked them to return later.
The group allegedly refused and began vandalizing her goods. In an attempt to protect her merchandise, Mrs. Eze confronted the group and demanded compensation for the damage.
The confrontation quickly escalated. One of the men reportedly drew a knife and fatally stabbed her in the chest. She was said to have died on the spot.
The killing has ignited a wave of outrage across social media, with many users condemning the attack as a blatant act of criminality masked in religion. “No one has the right to impose religious levies or violently enforce them,” @EmekaGift100 wrote. “This is criminality, plain and simple.”
Local community members and activists have also spoken out, stressing that the incident does not reflect Islamic values. “Extortion is a crime. Murder is an even graver one,” said one user. “This isn’t about religion—it’s about unchecked criminal behavior.”
As of press time, the Ogun State Police Command has not issued an official statement.
However, civil society organizations are calling for a thorough investigation and immediate arrest of those responsible.
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Many are drawing comparisons between this case and the 2022 murder of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto, a killing that also stirred national outrage over religious extremism. There are growing fears that failure to deliver justice in Mrs. Eze’s case could deepen existing tensions.
“This must not be swept under the rug,” said a local market leader. “Blessing was a hardworking woman trying to defend her business. Her death must not go unanswered.”
Human rights groups are also urging religious leaders—particularly within the Muslim community—to publicly condemn the act and support efforts to ensure justice is served.
