Hausa, Benue communities clash over murder of trader

2026-02-14 - 15:10

By Davies Iheamnachor Hausa and Benue Communities in Rivers State have clashed following the killing of a trader from the former in a Rivers market. The incident happened at Oil Mill Market in Rumuokwurusi Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state on Saturday. It was gathered that a wheelbarrow pusher identified as Zakara from a northern state had stabbed the said trader to death after an argument had ensued between the duo. It was gathered that the victim died while he was being rushed to the hospital for attention and that when the report of the death filtered in, relatives of the victims and Hausa traders opened a free-for-all. Confirming the development, police in the state said the suspect, a wheelbarrow pusher, has been arrested, adding that the remains of the victim have been deposited in a mortuary. The Public Relations Officer of the Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, noted that there was disagreement between the two people and that Zakara drew out his knife and stabbed the victim. Iringe-Koko said: “Rivers State Police Command has confirmed a murder incident that occurred today, Saturday, 14th February, 2026, at about 7:00 a.m. at the Fruit Market, Oil Mill, Rumuokwurusi, Port Harcourt. “Preliminary investigation revealed that a trader at the market, while attempting to create more space for his goods, requested a wheelbarrow pusher identified as Zakara Afaaruwu ‘m’ to remove his wheelbarrow which was obstructing the area. The request was refused, and an argument ensued. “In the course of the disagreement, the wheelbarrow pusher allegedly stabbed the trader, identified as Higightor Wenem ‘m’ aged 30 years, from Mbagel Village, Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State, with a dagger. “The victim was immediately rushed to the Military Hospital for medical attention but was confirmed dead by the medical Doctor . His corpse has been deposited at the morgue for autopsy.” Iringe-Koko said the incident sparked panic in the market, but quickly added that the situation was immediately brought under control. He said: “The incident led to tension and pandemonium between members of the Hausa and Benue communities in the area. However, prompt intervention by police operatives restored calm and prevented further breakdown of law and order. “The suspect has been arrested and is currently in police custody while investigation continues. The situation is now under control, and monitoring of the area is ongoing. Further developments will be communicated.” LGA boss calls for calm However, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, Hon. Gift Worlu, regretted the development, calling for calm. He bemoaned that similar development has been reported in different parts of the LGA, promising that the government is up to its responsibilities of protecting lives and property. He said: “Following the unfortunate incidents involving loss of lives that have been reported in some Parts of Obio/Akpor LGA particularly the incidents at Rumuokpoku, Rumuola and the one at the Rumuokwurusi oil mill Market. “The Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA Hon Dr Gift worlu expresses dismay while urging Residents to remain calm as security agencies are on top of the matter with some arrests being made with a view to prosecuting the suspects “He therefore called for continued collaboration between security agencies and community leaders to ensure this negative trend is brought under control while thanking them for their efforts so far. “Dr Gift worlu charged Residents of ObioAkpor LGA to go about their normal Businesses as Government will do everything possible to protect Lives and property in the affected areas.”