A man accused of fatally stabbing a trader, Mrs Blessing Eze, has been lynched by an angry mob in the Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.

According to eyewitnesses, the altercation began when traders in the area were reportedly asked to pay festival levies by a group of suspected thugs. Eze, however, was said to have refused, citing financial difficulties.

“She told them she didn’t have any money. One of the guys got angry and stabbed her in the chest. She collapsed on the spot and died,” a resident, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns, told PUNCH Metro on Sunday.

Following the stabbing, the suspect and his accomplices reportedly fled the scene. But a mob gave chase, caught up with the assailant, and beat him severely.

A senior police officer in the area, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the press, confirmed that the suspect died while being rushed to the hospital.

“It was a mob attack. He was badly injured and died while being taken to the hospital. He was confirmed dead on arrival by the doctors,” the officer said.

When asked about the steps being taken to restore order, the officer noted that community engagement and security meetings were ongoing.

“Everything is now peaceful. The police had a meeting with the Igbo community, and we have planned another for tomorrow (Monday). The police are on top of the situation,” he added.

Meanwhile, traders from the South-Eastern region have reportedly shut down their businesses in protest and mourning.

According to reports, a four-day closure was declared in honour of the slain trader.

https://punchng.com/ogun-mob-kills-suspect-accused-of-stabbing-female-trader-to-death/