Trader killed as Hausa, Benue communities clash in Rivers market

Tension erupted in Rivers State on Saturday after a trader was stabbed to death at the popular Oil Mill Market in Rumuokwurusi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, triggering clashes between members of the Hausa and Benue communities.

The incident occurred in the early hours of the day following a disagreement between the victim, a Hausa trader, and a wheelbarrow pusher inside the market.

Eyewitnesses said the trouble began when the trader tried to create space to display his goods and asked the wheelbarrow operator, identified as Zakara, to move his barrow. The request reportedly led to a heated argument that later turned violent.

During the confrontation, the suspect was said to have pulled out a knife and stabbed the trader.

The victim was immediately taken to a nearby hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival.

News of his death sparked panic and unrest in the market, as relatives and fellow traders clashed before security operatives moved in to restore order.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the suspect had been arrested while the victim’s body had been deposited in a mortuary.

She stated that the Rivers State Police Command recorded the incident at about 7:00 a.m. on Saturday at the Fruit Market, Oil Mill, Rumuokwurusi, Port Harcourt.

According to her, preliminary findings showed that the trader, identified as Higightor Wenem, 30, from Mbagel Village in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State, was stabbed with a dagger after his request was refused.

She added that the victim was rushed to the Military Hospital, where doctors confirmed his death, and his corpse was deposited at the morgue for autopsy.

Iringe-Koko noted that the killing caused panic in the area but said swift police intervention prevented further breakdown of law and order.

“The incident led to tension and pandemonium between members of the Hausa and Benue communities. However, prompt intervention by police operatives restored calm,” she said, adding that investigations were ongoing.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Gift Worlu, expressed concern over the violence and appealed to residents to remain peaceful.

He lamented that similar security incidents had recently occurred in areas such as Rumuokpoku and Rumuola and assured that authorities were working to curb the trend.

Worlu urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies and community leaders to maintain peace, while assuring that the government was committed to protecting lives and property in the area.

He also encouraged residents to go about their normal activities, stressing that measures were being intensified to prevent further violence.