Rivers Protest Deaths: Four Traders Killed Amidst Unrest
Four members of the Hausa community were reportedly killed during violent anti-northerner protests at the Oil Mill Market in Rumuokwurusi, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, last weekend, following an alleged stabbing incident.
The Hausa community in Rivers State has confirmed that four of its members were killed during last weekend’s protest targeting northerners at the Oil Mill Market in Rumuokwurusi area of Port Harcourt. The Chairman of the Hausa Community in Rivers State, Mr Musa Saidu, revealed this on Tuesday whilst leading 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 Appeals for Calm Amidst Tensions
Speaking to the media, Mr Saidu urged northern residents and traders in the state to remain calm and peaceful despite the escalating tensions. He emphasised that northerners, like other Nigerians residing in Rivers State, are law-abiding citizens engaged in legitimate businesses. “Approximately four northern traders were killed during the protest at Oil Mill Market. I visited the area today with some journalists. We toured the shops of those affected and observed that many had been looted,” he recounted.
Origin of the Unrest
The initial protest erupted following the killing of a local indigene, Nchelem Samuel Festus, allegedly by a northern commercial motorcyclist in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area. Mr Festus was accused of stealing a motorcycle from a shop owned by northerners. During an attempt to retrieve the motorcycle, a dispute reportedly ensued, culminating in the motorcyclist allegedly stabbing Mr Festus. He later succumbed to the injuries sustained in the incident.
Escalation and Police Response
The incident on 10th February ignited protests, with demonstrators accusing northern commercial motorcycle operators of culpability for Mr Festus’ death and alleging their involvement in other crimes, including rape and kidnapping. Protesters subsequently blocked the Port Harcourt International Airport Road, demanding an immediate ban on commercial motorcycle operations conducted by northern riders.
Tensions further escalated on Saturday when a wheelbarrow pusher, identified as Zakara Afaaruwu, allegedly stabbed a trader from Benue State, Higightor Wenem, to death during a dispute over market space at the Oil Mill Market. This incident triggered renewed attacks on northern traders, with numerous businesses reportedly vandalised and looted.
The police have confirmed the arrest of Mr Afaaruwu, stating he remains in custody for investigation and potential prosecution. Responding to claims that four northern traders had been killed, the Police Public Relations Officer in Rivers State, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, stated she was unaware of any such fatalities. “I am not aware of any killings. I have already outlined what transpired during the protest,” she affirmed.