Four Northern traders reportedly killed as protest rocks Rivers market

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Leaders of the Hausa community in Rivers State have alleged that four of their members lost their lives during last weekend’s protest said to be directed at northerners at Oil Mill Market, located in the Rumuokwurusi axis of Port Harcourt.

The Chairman of the Hausa Community in the state, Mr. Musa Saidu, made the disclosure on Tuesday. He spoke after leading a delegation of northern leaders to the market to evaluate the level of damage recorded during the unrest.

He explained that many business premises owned by northern traders were attacked. Several shops were looted, while others were destroyed.

While addressing journalists, Saidu appealed to northerners residing in the state to remain calm despite the tension. He stressed that northern residents are peaceful people who conduct legitimate businesses like other Nigerians living in Rivers State.

“About four northern traders were killed during the protest at Oil Mill Market. I visited the area today with some journalists. We went round the shops of those affected and saw that many had been looted,” he said.

The protest was linked to the killing of an indigene identified as Nchelem Samuel Festus. He was allegedly killed by a northern commercial motorcyclist in Igwuruta, within Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Festus had been accused of stealing a motorcycle from a shop owned by northerners. Trouble started when an effort was made to recover the motorcycle. An argument broke out in the process. The motorcyclist allegedly stabbed Festus, who later died from the injuries he sustained.

The incident, which occurred on February 10, triggered protests in the area. Demonstrators accused northern commercial motorcycle operators of responsibility for Festus’ death. They also alleged that some riders were involved in crimes such as rape and kidnapping.

Protesters blocked the Port Harcourt International Airport Road. They demanded an immediate prohibition of commercial motorcycle activities by northern riders.

Fresh tension surfaced on Saturday after another violent incident at the same market. A wheelbarrow pusher, Zakara Afaaruwu, allegedly stabbed a trader from Benue State, Higightor Wenem, during a disagreement over trading space. Wenem died from the attack.

The development led to renewed assaults on northern traders. More shops and businesses were vandalised and looted in the process.

Police authorities confirmed that Afaaruwu had been arrested. They added that he remains in custody as investigations continue, with prosecution likely to follow.

However, the Police Public Relations Officer in Rivers State, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, dismissed claims that four northern traders were killed.

“I’m not aware of any killing. I have already stated what happened during the protest,” she said.