Normalcy has returned to Oilmill Market in Port Harcourt following a deadly altercation that claimed the life of a trader at the Fruit Market on Saturday morning.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed that the incident occurred at about 7:00 a.m. after a disagreement between a trader identified as Wenem, said to be from Benue State, and a Hausa wheelbarrow pusher over space to display goods.
Police sources said the argument escalated, and the trader was allegedly stabbed during the scuffle. He was immediately rushed to the military hospital for treatment but was later pronounced dead by a doctor. His remains have been deposited in a morgue pending an autopsy.
The killing sparked tension among members of the Hausa and Benue communities in the area, creating panic among traders and residents. However, security operatives swiftly intervened to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The suspect has been arrested and is currently in police custody, while investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, the crisis has prompted local government authorities in Rivers State to call for vigilance to prevent any escalation or spread of violence.
The Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Chief Obarilomate Ollor, in a statement issued Saturday evening, urged residents to promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to security agencies or the local government authorities.
The incident comes amid heightened tension in parts of the state. A few days earlier, Igwuruta community in Ikwerre Local Government Area experienced unrest after scavengers and commercial motorcycle operators were ordered to leave the area.
The development followed the killing of a youth leader in the community by individuals suspected to be from the northern community. The assailants were alleged to have abducted and fatally stabbed the youth leader. Many of the scavengers and commercial motorcycle operators in the area are reportedly from the North.
