The Hausa community in Rivers State has alleged that four of its members were killed during last weekend’s protest targeting northerners at Oil Mill Market in the Rumuokwurusi area of Port Harcourt.
Chairman of the Hausa community in the state, Musa Saidu, disclosed this on Tuesday while leading northern leaders to the market to assess the aftermath of the unrest.
He also reported that several shops belonging to northern traders were looted and vandalised.
Saidu urged northerners living in the state to remain calm and peaceful despite the tensions, stressing that they are law-abiding residents engaged in legitimate businesses.
“About four northern traders were killed during the protest at Oil Mill Market. We visited the affected shops and saw extensive looting,” he said.
Triggering incidents
The protest followed the killing of an indigene, Nchelem Samuel Festus, allegedly by a northern commercial motorcyclist in Igwuruta, Ikwerre. Festus was accused of stealing a motorcycle from a shop owned by northerners.
During an attempt to retrieve the motorcycle, an argument reportedly broke out, and the rider allegedly stabbed him. He later died from his injuries.
The February 10 incident sparked demonstrations, with protesters accusing northern commercial motorcycle operators of involvement in Festus’ death and other crimes. Demonstrators blocked the Port Harcourt International Airport Road and demanded an immediate ban on commercial motorcycle operations by northern riders.
Tensions escalated further 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 space at Oil Mill Market.
The incident triggered renewed attacks on northern traders, with several businesses reportedly vandalised and looted.
Police confirmed the arrest of Afaaruwu and said he remains in custody pending investigation and possible prosecution.
However, the Police Public Relations Officer in Rivers State, Grace Iringe-Koko, said she was not aware of any fatalities linked to the protest.
“I’m not aware of any killing. I have already stated what happened during the protest,” she said.
The situation has heightened tensions in the commercial hub, raising concerns over inter-ethnic relations and the safety of traders in the area.
