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The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII), HM King Leslie N Eke, Eze Gbakagbaka, who is also Chairman of the Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, has condemned the alleged attempt by some youths, to lynch a food vendor at the popular Eze Gbakagbaka Market in the Trans-Amadi axis of Port Harcourt last Friday.
The youths, said to be Muslims, had allegedly attacked the vendor over what they termed as blasphemy.
The Eze Woji said it is worrisome that the incident occurred days after the Muslim fateful ended their fasting and celebration, adding that such action was at variance with the core aim of their belief.
He noted that a high level of religious tolerance must be allowed to operate among people of different regious backgrounds and beliefs, if they must welcome new converts in their midst.
The monarch who is described as a giant figure in peace advocacy, said such act would rather despise or discourage people from thinking of joining or converting to the very faith, thereby, doing a disservice to themselves.
According to him, rather than run amock at such situations, people should learn to invite security agents in order to enable them get to the root of the matter.
“Taking laws into one’s hand at any point is not the best option irrespective of the level of provocation. We must learn how to accommodate each other, because we are one body, created by the same Creator”, he said.
It was learnt that the incident began after a disagreement between the vendor and a male trader who had purchased food from her, which led to a vabal argument that 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.”
He further observed that the situation was the first of its kind and promised to consult with Muslim leaders in that axis so as to put an end to such barbaric and out-of -fashion way of registering one’s grievance.
Meanwhile, he has called on Islamic scholars in the state to push harder against violence and crime commission and their adherence, adding that the only healing balm welcomed in the country now was peace and tolerance.
