A concerned group, Igbo National Union World-Wide (INU-W), has condemned the alleged murder of an Igbo trader, Blessing Eze, at Ifo Market in Ogun State over her inability to pay a N1,500 religious levy.
According to reports, Eze was stabbed in the chest by a gang after she failed to pay the illegal religious levy imposed on traders at the market. The incident has sparked outrage among the Igbo community.
In a press statement issued by INU-W National Spokesperson, Ngozi Ogbomor, the group expressed deep regret over the killing and questioned why the government would impose such a levy on traders for a Muslim festival without considering that not all traders are Muslims.
Seven-Day Ultimatum to Ogun Government
The group has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Ogun State Government to investigate the matter, effect arrests, and ensure justice is served.
"It is disheartening that both the security agencies and the State Government are yet to respond to the dastardly act or make statements over the incident," Ogbomor stated.
"It is on this nonchalant attitude that the Igbo National Union World-Wide is giving the Ogun State Government seven days ultimatum to wade into the matter, effect the arrests and see that justice is served as to assuage frayed nerves," the statement continued.
Concerns Over Ethnic Targeting
The group expressed concern that the daylight murder of the "innocent and hapless woman" had once again portrayed Igbos as targets for annihilation at the slightest provocation.
"What concerns the traders with a Muslim festival that they are not part of? And why impose religious levies on non-Muslim adherents?" questioned the spokesperson.
The group warned that if their demands are not met, they "will be compelled to embark on any course of action that we deem necessary to make sure Blessing Eze did not die in vain."
As of the time of this report, neither the Ogun State Government nor security agencies have issued any official statement regarding the incident.
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