The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji and Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, His Majesty, King Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, PhD, JP, Eze Woji XII, Eze Gbakagbaka, has condemned in its entirety the alleged attempt by some youths believed to be Muslims to lynch a certain food vendor at the popular Eze Gbakagbaka Market in the Trans Amadi axis of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

A statement by the Media Office of the revered traditional ruler disclosed that the incident, which happened on Friday, April 4, 2025, is reported to have been over what the said youths termed as ‘blasphemy’.

The Eze Woji XII described the incident as “very worrisome”, especially, as it reportedly occurred days after the Muslim faithful ended their fasting and celebration, pointing out that such action negates the core aim of their belief.

He noted that if the Muslim Ummah must welcome new converts in their midst, there is need for a high level of religious tolerance for people of different religious backgrounds and beliefs.

The Evo Kingdom Monarch, who is 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 the Islamic faithful expects them to join, thereby, doing a disservice to themselves.

According to him, rather than run amok at such situations, people should learn to consult security agents in order to enable them get the required attention.

“Taking laws into one’s hands 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.”

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 verbal argument that reportedly escalated into a physical confrontation, during which religious sentiments were expressed, 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.”

Eze Gbakagbaka 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 grievances.

Meanwhile, the revered Monarch 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.