Tension flared at the Eze Gbakagba Market in the Trans-Amadi area of Port Harcourt on Friday, 4 April 2025, as a female food vendor narrowly escaped being lynched by irate youths over an allegation of blasphemy.
An eyewitness, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, said the incident began after a disagreement between the vendor and a male trader who had purchased food from her. The altercation reportedly escalated into a physical confrontation, during which religious sentiments were introduced, further aggravating the situation.
“In the heat of the argument, some members of the Muslim community accused the woman of blasphemy,” the eyewitness said. “This led to the destruction and burning of her food items, table, and umbrella. When she realized her life was in danger, she fled, and some individuals chased after her.”
The eyewitness disclosed further that the timely intervention of the police prevented further violence. “Officers arrived at the scene in numbers and dispersed the mob using tear gas. The area has since returned to a state of calm.”
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Meanwhile, some traders at the market have called on security agencies to maintain a visible presence at the location in the coming days.
They also urged the police to ensure the safety of the food vendor, suggesting she be placed in protective custody and permanently barred from returning to the market to avoid further escalation.
Reacting to the incident, Executive Director of the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, condemned the rising cases of religious intolerance and urged members of the public to respect others’ beliefs.
“People must stop blaspheming other religions. If you are not a part of a particular faith, do not involve yourself in their practices.
“We should never allow this kind of thing happen again be you a Christian, Muslim, African traditionalist believer, do not put your mouth into other people’s religion.
“Mind your personal business when it comes to religious matters so we do not see a repeat of incidents like this. The case of Deborah in Sokoto is still fresh in our memories.”
Fyneface also called on the police to ensure continuous security in the market to prevent a recurrence of the crisis.
One Response
This nation must rise up against the murderous nature of radical Islamists. To say Jesus is a mere prophet of God is unacceptable and blasphemous. Also, to say the Bible is not the authoritative word of God is serious plasphemy against Christianity. Moslems say that often but no attempt to murder them by Christians because Christianity is not bloodthirsty. But if anyone says anything unacceptable against islam or the prophet of Islam they shout “Blasphemy” and the next step is to kill in the name of religion. Why did the woman not shout blasphemy since the two were in an argument. Definitely the man must have said something blasphemous. But because Christianity doesnt respond with murder she didn’t opt for that. This kind of attacks is an ungodly and cowardly way of defending and propagating a faith. The truth must be told. Moslems should be confronted to be tolerant.