Tragedy at Ilorin Market: Elderly Herb Seller Dies Following Encounter with security Personnel

A somber incident unfolded yesterday at the bustling Emir’s Market (Oja Oba) in Ilorin, resulting in the untimely death of an elderly woman who sold herbs. The tragedy reportedly occurred following a disagreement with civil defence personnel enforcing the Kwara State government’s recent restrictions on street hawking within the market vicinity.

The Kwara State government has initiated a significant road rehabilitation and expansion project along the market area. To ensure compliance with regulations during this construction phase, army personnel were deployed to enforce the no-hawking policy.

Eyewitness accounts detail a distressing sequence of events. The elderly woman was reportedly in the process of transporting her herbs, placing her wares on her head at the back of a motorcycle. Security personnel intercepted the motorcycle, intending to inspect the contents of her luggage. It was at this point that the woman, identified as Iya Batuli, reportedly collapsed from shock. She was immediately rushed to a hospital but tragically passed away a few hours later.

Further reports indicate that Iya Batuli had a pre-existing condition of high blood pressure. It is alleged that the sudden confrontation and the stern directive from the security personnel to inspect her belongings triggered a critical spike in her blood pressure, leading to her collapse.

Abdullateef togun, the publisher of this medium newscrescent online, corroborated accounts of Iya Batuli’s well-being earlier that day. He confirmed that she was seen actively hawking her herbs in her neighborhood Isalekoko ojagboro that very morning before proceeding to Oja Oba market to purchase more supplies. This detail underscores the sudden and unexpected nature of her demise.

As of the time of this report, arrangements were underway for Iya Batuli’s burial according to Islamic rites. The incident has cast a pall over the market community and raised concerns regarding the manner in which the hawking restrictions are being enforced and the potential impact on vulnerable individuals. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between implementing urban development policies and safeguarding the well-being of all citizens, particularly the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. The circumstances surrounding Iya Batuli’s death are likely to spark further discussions about the need for sensitivity and appropriate protocols in enforcing such regulations.