Four Northern Traders Reportedly Killed in Rivers Anti-North Protest

Members of the Hausa community in Rivers State have stated that four individuals from their group lost their lives amid protests against northerners that occurred last weekend at the Oil Mill Market in the Rumuokwurusi area of Port Harcourt. Musa Saidu, the Chairman of the Hausa Community in Rivers State, revealed this on Tuesday while leading other northern leaders to the market to assess the situation.

He further indicated that numerous shops owned by northern traders sustained damage, with their contents being looted during the disturbance.

Saidu appealed to northern residents and traders within the state to maintain calm and a peaceful disposition despite the prevailing tensions.

He emphasized that northerners are lawful citizens residing in Rivers State, just like other Nigerians, and are engaged in lawful commercial activities.

"During the protest at Oil Mill Market, approximately four northern traders were killed. I visited the location today with some journalists. We inspected the affected shops and observed widespread looting," Saidu commented.

The protest was ignited by the alleged killing of an indigene, Nchelem Samuel Festus, by a northern commercial motorcyclist in Igwuruta, within the Ikwerre Local Government Area. Reports indicate Festus was accused of stealing a motorcycle from a shop operated by northerners. An argument allegedly ensued during an attempt to recover the motorcycle, leading to the motorcyclist reportedly stabbing Festus, who later died from his injuries.

The incident, which took place on February 10, led to demonstrations, with protesters accusing northern commercial motorcycle operators of responsibility for Festus’ death and implicating them in other criminal activities such as rape and kidnapping.

Demonstrators obstructed the Port Harcourt International Airport Road, demanding an immediate cessation of commercial motorcycle operations by northern riders.

Further exacerbating the situation, on Saturday, a wheelbarrow pusher, identified as Zakara Afaaruwu, allegedly fatally stabbed a trader from Benue State, Higightor Wenem, during a dispute over market space at Oil Mill Market. This event reportedly led to renewed attacks on northern traders, with several businesses allegedly vandalised and looted.

The police have confirmed the arrest of Afaaruwu and stated that he is currently in custody for investigation and potential prosecution.

In response to assertions that four northern traders had been killed, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, stated she had no information regarding such fatalities. "I am not aware of any killings. I have already detailed the events that transpired during the protest," she responded.