Goods worth hundreds of millions of naira have been destroyed following protests against northerners in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, over the killing of a resident in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area, allegedly by a commercial motorcyclist.

It was gathered that Nchelem Samuel Festus, an indigene of Igwuruta, allegedly stole a motorcycle from a shop owned by northerners. During efforts to recover the motorcycle, he was reportedly stabbed and later died from injuries sustained in the attack.

The incident, which occurred on February 10, triggered protests, with demonstrators alleging that northern motorcycle riders were responsible for Festus’ death.

The protesters further accused northerners of involvement in other criminal activities, including rape and kidnapping.

The unrest escalated as youths blocked the Port Harcourt International Airport Road, demanding an immediate ban on commercial motorcycle operations by riders from the North in the area.

They also called for the closure of scrap dump sites allegedly operated by northerners, the arrest and prosecution of those involved in Festus’ killing, and the vacation of farmlands by cattle herders.

The protesters issued a 48-hour ultimatum to security agencies, warning that failure to address their demands could compel the community to take steps to protect lives and property, while maintaining that their actions would remain within the confines of the law.

Tension worsened 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 in Port Harcourt.

The incident sparked fresh outrage, leading to renewed attacks on northern traders in Igwuruta, with several businesses vandalised and looted.

‘Don’t criminalise northerners over isolated crimes’

The chairman of the Hausa Community in Rivers State, Mr Musa Saidu, expressed deep sadness over the killings and warned against associating criminality with the Hausa community or any ethnic group.

He said, “There was a misunderstanding between a northern boy and a community boy in Igwuruta, which unfortunately became fatal. According to the information available to me, as I have not personally been there, the northern boy allegedly stabbed the community boy, and he died. That led to a protest, but the protest was that the Hausa people should leave. If somebody commits a crime, it is the responsibility of security agencies to arrest and prosecute him according to the law of the land. Why then should there be protests asking Hausa people to go?

“Already, there has been serious animosity against northerners. If you recall, during the #EndSARS protest, it was reported that over 100 northerners were killed around Oyigbo. Whenever there are demonstrations, they are often targeted.

“The truth is that the people being attacked are ordinary, struggling Nigerians. They are not those in government in Abuja or those holding political offices. You cannot attack a person selling groundnuts or cutting hair in the name of retaliation. Even those in government positions may not even know these victims exist.

“We are calling for calm. I plan to visit the community to console them and also meet with the local government chairman. We are not troublemakers; we are business people who live peacefully with our host communities.

“Regarding the Oil Mill Market incident, both individuals involved were northerners. It was a misunderstanding over business space that led to one stabbing the other, which is condemnable.

“Anyone who commits murder or any offence should be prosecuted under the law. I do not support criminality; I support brotherhood. The people involved are poor, struggling Nigerians.

“I do not understand why they should fight among themselves. If there is disagreement over space, one should move on rather than resort to violence. Stabbing someone is wrong, and I do not support it.

“We have suffered heavy losses but recorded no fatalities. Properties and goods worth hundreds of millions of naira were destroyed. Traders selling farm produce were attacked wherever they were identified as northerners. Their goods were looted, and some were beaten, but thankfully, there was no loss of life.

“My plea to our brothers and sisters in Rivers State, both indigenes and non-indigenes, is that we are sorry for what happened. We are not troublemakers. If anyone commits a crime, the law should take its course. Protesting against an entire community amounts to hatred, and hatred can lead to more violence,” he said.

Police arrest suspect

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the suspect linked to the fatal stabbing at the Oil Mill Market, stating that he is currently in custody as investigations continue.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Rivers State, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the deceased’s body has been deposited at the morgue for autopsy.

She said: “Preliminary investigation revealed that a trader at the market, while attempting to create more space for his goods, asked a wheelbarrow pusher identified as Zakara Afaaruwu ‘m’ to remove his wheelbarrow, which was obstructing the area. The request was declined, and an argument ensued.

“In the course of the disagreement, the wheelbarrow pusher allegedly stabbed the trader, identified as Higightor Wenem ‘m’, aged 30, from Mbagel Village in 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 attending doctor. His corpse has been deposited at the morgue for autopsy.

“The incident triggered tension and panic between members of the Hausa and Benue communities in the area. However, prompt intervention by police operatives restored calm and prevented a further breakdown of law and order.

“The suspect has been arrested and is currently in police custody while the investigation continues,” she said.

Ikwerre LG chair imposes night ban on motorcycle operation

The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Chief Charles Wobodo, has called for calm following the recent violence in Igwuruta, warning youths against any breakdown of law and order.

As part of measures to address persistent security challenges in the area, the chairman announced a restriction on the operations of commercial motorcycles. He said the directive would take effect from Thursday, February 12, 2026, and would run daily from 6pm to 6am for a period of one month.

According to him, the temporary ban is aimed at strengthening security and preventing further incidents.

Trader narrates attack

Meanwhile, a trader, Muhammadu Inuwa Abubakar, has narrated how he and his family came under attack in the aftermath of a violent clash between Tiv and Fulani youths at Eleme Junction in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

Speaking to Daily Trust on the phone, Abubakar said the incident began after reports spread that a Fulani man had stabbed a Tiv man to death. Panic quickly followed in the area.

“I came out of my house, urging people not to panic because the incident did not happen in our market.

“Soon after, a police vehicle arrived and parked near us. We later learned that Tiv youths had mobilised to attack us, but the police prevented them from entering our site,” he explained.

According to him, the situation worsened after the police withdrew. “When the Tivs learned of the withdrawal, they returned. Our boys started running away. Some Igbo youths took me to a safe house, but my son insisted he would rather die than see me killed. He confronted them and was stabbed in the stomach,” Abubakar said.

The victim was rushed to the Teaching Hospital in the city, where he underwent surgery and is currently recuperating.

Abubakar stressed that the attackers were known to them, adding that security agencies, including the State Security Service and the Commissioner of Police, had been informed.

Authorities are yet to confirm arrests, but community leaders have assured residents that measures are being taken to prevent further escalation. (Daily Trust)

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