Femi Ashekun/
Aunty Esther, the popular Nigerian street vendor widely known as the “Pepper Girl”, has died after declining a medically recommended blood transfusion on religious grounds while battling breast cancer.
Her death was confirmed on Saturday by her caregiver, AuntyMuse, and publicised by influencer @Hybrid_Ola on X, where the news quickly spread and prompted widespread mourning across social media.
Aunty Esther became a national figure after videos of her energetic pepper-selling routine went viral, earning her admiration for her resilience, cheerful disposition and tireless street hustle in sun and rain.
Her story later took a sombre turn when it emerged that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer at an advanced stage.
As her condition deteriorated, Nigerians mobilised donations exceeding N30 million to support her treatment, reflecting the depth of public goodwill she had attracted.
Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, contributed N5 million, a gesture that drew praise and renewed attention to the case.
Despite the financial support, her caregiver disclosed that Aunty Esther declined a blood transfusion advised by doctors, citing her faith as a Jehovah’s Witness.
Medical professionals in Nigeria have consistently warned that late presentation and limited access to specialised care remain major contributors to breast cancer mortality in the country.
According to data from the World Health Organisation and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health, breast cancer is the most common cancer among Nigerian women, with survival rates significantly lower than in high income countries due largely to delayed diagnosis and treatment constraints.
In announcing her passing, @Hybrid_Ola wrote that Aunty Esther “lost her battle with breast cancer”, a confirmation that was accompanied by tributes acknowledging her strength and the dignity with which she endured her illness.
Reports circulating on X indicate that she was buried on Saturday.
Her death has reignited public debate around faith based medical decisions and the vulnerability of informal workers whose health crises often become visible only when they reach breaking point.
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