The Chairman of the Hausa community in Rivers State, Musa Saidu, has disclosed that four of its members were killed during a recent anti-Northern protest at the Oil Mill Market in the Rumuokwurusi area of Port Harcourt.
Mr Saidu made the disclosure on Tuesday when he led other northern leaders to the market to assess the situation.
He said several shops belonging to northern traders were looted and vandalised during the unrest.
Speaking with Daily Trust, the chairman urged northern residents and traders in the state to remain calm and peaceful despite the rising tensions.
According to him, northerners, like other Nigerians residing in Rivers State, are law-abiding citizens engaged in legitimate businesses.
“About four northern traders were killed during the protest at Oil Mill Market. I visited the area today with some journalists. We went round the shops of those affected and saw that many had been looted,” he said.
Reports indicate that the protest followed the killing of an indigene, Nchelem Samuel Festus, allegedly by a northern commercial motorcyclist in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
Mr Festus was reportedly accused of stealing a motorcycle from a shop owned by northerners. During an attempt to retrieve the motorcycle, an argument allegedly ensued, leading to the motorcyclist stabbing Festus. He later died from injuries sustained in the incident.
The February 10 incident sparked protests, with demonstrators accusing northern commercial motorcycle operators of being responsible for Festus’ death and alleging their involvement in other crimes, including rape and kidnapping.
Protesters blocked the Port Harcourt International Airport Road, demanding an immediate ban on commercial motorcycle operations by northern riders.
Tensions further escalated 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 the Oil Mill Market.
The incident triggered renewed attacks on northern traders, with several businesses reportedly vandalised and looted.
The police confirmed the arrest of Mr Afaaruwu, stating that he is in custody for investigation and possible prosecution.
Reacting to claims that four northern traders were killed, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, said she was not aware of such fatalities.
“I’m not aware of any killing. I have already stated what happened during the protest,” she said.
Daily Nigerian
