Tragedy struck on Saturday as a clash between some members of the Benue and Hausa communities at a fruit market in Oil Mill, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State led to the death of one person.

Trouble started when a trader at the market asked a wheelbarrow pusher, identified as Zakara Afaaruwu, to make space for him to keep his goods, which the latter refused.

An argument immediately ensued between the two and attracted other traders and people within the area.

The disagreement escalated when the wheelbarrow pusher allegedly brought out a knife and stabbed the trader.

The police, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Saturday afternoon, said the trader was rushed to the hospital but was confirmed dead by a doctor.

The statement by the spokesperson for the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the development immediately sparked a clash between members of the Benue and Hausa communities in the area.

Iringe-Koko, a Chief Superintendent of Police, in the statement said, “The 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.”

While noting that the corpse of the victim had been deposited in the morgue for autopsy, the police spokesperson said the incident resulted in pandemonium.

The statement further read, “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.”

The state police command assured members of the public of its commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state and urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding. (The PUNCH)

Update news