A man accused of fatally st@bbing a female trader, Mrs. Blessing Eze, has been lynched by an angry mob in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.
According to eyewitnesses, the violence erupted on Friday after a group of suspected thugs demanded festival levies from traders in the area.
Mrs. Eze reportedly refused to pay, citing financial hardship. An argument ensued, during which she was allegedly stabbed in the chest by one of the men. She collapsed and died on the spot.
“The woman told them she had no money, and one of them stabbed her. She died instantly,” a resident told The Punch.
Following the incident, the suspect attempted to flee but was chased down and beaten by enraged youths.
A senior police officer, who spoke under anonymity, confirmed that the suspect died while being rushed to the hospital and was pronounced dead on arrival.
In response to the tragedy, Igbo traders in the area have closed their shops for four days in protest and mourning.
The police have since held peace talks with community leaders and are set to continue with further engagement to ensure calm.
“All is peaceful now. The police met with the Igbo community, and another meeting is scheduled for Monday,” the officer added.
