THE Chairman of the Hausa community in Rivers State, Musa Saidu, has alleged that four northern traders were killed during a recent anti-Northern protest at the Oil Mill Market in Rumuokwurusi, Port Harcourt.
News Point Nigeria reports that Saidu made the disclosure on Tuesday while leading northern community leaders on an assessment visit to the affected market, where he said several shops owned by northerners were looted and vandalised.
According to him, the violence followed protests triggered by the killing of an indigene of Rivers State, Nchelem Samuel Festus.
Speaking to journalists after touring the market, Saidu urged northern residents in the state to remain calm despite the tensions.
“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.
He described northerners living in Rivers as law-abiding citizens engaged in legitimate business activities and appealed for peaceful coexistence among all ethnic groups in the state.
The unrest reportedly began after Festus was allegedly stabbed during a confrontation with a northern commercial motorcyclist in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
Reports indicated that Festus had been accused of stealing a motorcycle from a shop owned by northerners. During efforts to retrieve the motorcycle, an argument allegedly broke out, resulting in the motorcyclist stabbing Festus. He later died from injuries sustained in the incident.
The February 10 incident sparked protests, with demonstrators accusing northern commercial motorcyclists of being responsible for the death and alleging involvement in other crimes.
Protesters blocked the Port Harcourt International Airport Road, demanding a 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, during a dispute over space at the Oil Mill Market.
The incident reportedly triggered fresh attacks on northern traders, leading to vandalism and looting of shops.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed that Afaaruwu had been arrested and is in custody pending 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.
The apparent discrepancy between the Hausa community’s account and the police position has raised questions about the full extent of casualties during the unrest.
Community leaders have called for restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation in the multi-ethnic state.
As investigations continue, traders at the Oil Mill Market are counting their losses, while security agencies maintain a presence in the area to forestall further violence.