The woman behind the popular Mammy Markets in military barracks across Nigeria, Maria Ochefu, has passed on aged 86.

Her son, Professor Yakubu Ochefu, said that she died in her sleep on Tuesday, March 18.

She had been a patient at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, and she would have turned 87 in April this year.

Security analyst Deji Adesogna shared news of her passing on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “RIP MAMA MAMMY MARKET.

“The founder of Mammy Market in military barracks across the country, Maria Ochefu, 86 years old, is dead.

“She was married to Colonel Anthony Ochefu, who was once a military governor in Enugu State.”

She pioneered the markets, which have become an essential part of military life, providing soldiers and their families with basic goods, food, and social gathering spaces.