Four Northern Traders Killed in Rivers State Market Protest Violence
Four traders were killed in Rivers State during a protest targeting northern residents at the Oil Mill Market in the Rumuokwurusi area of Port Harcourt. According to the Chairman of the Hausa Community in Rivers State, Mr. Musa Saidu, those killed were northerners. He disclosed this on Tuesday, February 17, when he led other northern leaders to the market to assess the situation. He stated that several shops belonging to northern traders were looted and vandalised during the unrest.
Community Leader Urges Calm Amid Tensions
Speaking with Daily Trust, Saidu urged northern residents and traders in the state to remain calm and peaceful despite the tensions. He said northerners, like other Nigerians residing in Rivers State, are law-abiding citizens engaged in legitimate businesses. “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.
Background of the Protest
The protest followed the killing of an indigene, Nchelem Samuel Festus, allegedly by a northern commercial motorcyclist in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area. Festus was accused of stealing a motorcycle from a shop owned by northerners. During an attempt to retrieve the motorcycle on February 10th, an argument reportedly ensued, leading to the motorcyclist allegedly stabbing Festus. He later died from injuries sustained in the incident.
Escalation of Violence and Demands
The incident sparked protests, with demonstrators accusing northern commercial motorcycle operators of being responsible for Festus’ death and accusing them of other crimes, including rape and kidnapping. Protesters blocked the Port Harcourt International Airport Road, demanding an immediate ban on commercial motorcycle operations by northern riders.
Tensions further escalated on Saturday, February 14, when a wheelbarrow pusher, identified as Zakara Afaaruwu, allegedly stabbed a trader from Benue State, Higightor Wenem, to death during a dispute over space at the Oil Mill Market. The incident triggered renewed attacks on northern traders, with several businesses reportedly vandalised and looted.
Police Response and Investigation
The police confirmed the arrest of Afaaruwu and stated that he is in custody for investigation and possible prosecution. Reacting to claims that four northern traders were killed, the Police Public Relations Officer in Rivers State, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, said she was unaware of such fatalities. “I’m not aware of any killing. I have already stated what happened during the protest,” she said.
