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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.
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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
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the suspect linked to the fatal stabbing at the Oil Mill Market.
