Four northern traders were killed during a protest at Oil Mill Market in Rivers State, according to leaders of the Hausa community, who said the unrest also led to widespread looting of shops owned by northerners.
The Chairman of the Hausa Community in the state, Musa Saidu, made the disclosure after visiting the Rumuokwurusi axis of Port Harcourt with other northern leaders to evaluate the extent of damage.
He said the victims were traders who had operated peacefully in the market before violence erupted.
“Our people were caught in the chaos. Four of them lost their lives, and several others watched their means of livelihood destroyed,” Saidu said.
“We walked round the market and saw shops broken into and goods carted away.”
He urged northern residents in Rivers State to remain calm despite the tension, stressing that most of them are engaged in legitimate business activities.
According to him, retaliatory reactions would only deepen divisions and worsen insecurity in the state.
Furthermore, community representatives maintained that northerners living in Rivers are law-abiding citizens contributing to the local economy.
“We are traders, artisans and workers like everyone else. We deserve protection under the law,” another community leader said during the assessment visit.
AFRIPOST reports that the violence followed the death of an indigene, Nchelem Samuel Festus, in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
Festus was allegedly stabbed during a confrontation with a northern commercial motorcyclist over a motorcycle said to have been taken from a shop owned by northerners.
He later died from injuries sustained in the incident.
Consequently, protests broke out, with demonstrators accusing northern motorcycle operators of involvement in Festus’ death and alleging broader criminal activities.
Protesters blocked the Port Harcourt International Airport Road and demanded that authorities prohibit commercial motorcycle operations by northern riders.
However, tensions intensified days later after another fatal altercation at the Oil Mill Market.
A wheelbarrow pusher identified as Zakara Afaaruwu allegedly stabbed a trader from Benue State, Higightor Wenem, during a dispute over trading space.
The incident reportedly reignited hostilities, leading to renewed attacks on northern traders and further destruction of property.
Police authorities confirmed Afaaruwu’s arrest and said he remains in custody pending investigation and possible prosecution.
The command assured residents that law enforcement officers are working to restore calm and prevent further breakdown of order.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer in Rivers State, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, said she was not aware of any confirmed fatalities linked to the protest beyond previously reported incidents.
“At this time, I do not have information confirming four deaths as claimed,” she said, reiterating the police position.
The development has heightened concerns over ethnic tensions and public safety in Rivers State, particularly in commercial hubs such as Oil Mill Market.
Community leaders are now calling for dialogue, improved policing and stronger intelligence measures to prevent further violence.