RIVERS GOVERNMENT SHUTS OBIO/AKPOR INTERNATIONAL MARKET AFTER TRADER’S MURDER OVER N500 DISPUTE

Read Time:2 Minute, 12 Second

By Aishat Momoh. O.

Authorities in Rivers State have sealed off the popular Obio/Akpor International Market, also known as Amaechi Market, following the killing of a trader identified simply as Ejike, allegedly stabbed to death by a group of meat sellers during a quarrel over ₦500.

The tragic incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Sunday along SARS Road in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, when over 20 assailants reportedly attacked Ejike with daggers.

Eyewitnesses said another man, who attempted to rescue the victim, was stabbed in the ribs and is currently in critical condition at a hospital.

Angered by the killing, female traders on Monday stormed the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council to protest the rising insecurity in the market. They demanded the removal of the alleged violent group linked to the killing and other criminal activities within the area.

One of the protesters, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “One man is dead, and the person who tried to rescue him is in a coma. More than 20 of them chased him over ₦500 and stabbed him to death. We want peace. They should leave our market.”

Another trader accused the attackers of being behind theft and drug-related crimes in the market, saying, “They break into our shops, steal goods, and even sell drugs behind the market. We don’t feel safe anymore. The government should help us.”

The Market Chairman, C.P. Oburu, confirmed the incident, noting that Ejike was confirmed dead at a nearby hospital.
“When I got the call while in church, I rushed to the scene. The doctor confirmed him dead. We took his body to the mortuary and reported to the police,” Oburu said.

He added that the market has since been sealed off by council authorities and security operatives pending the outcome of investigations.
“The local government chairman has intervened. Security agencies have made some arrests, and the market will remain closed until further notice,” he said.

Confirming the development, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said one person was killed by yet-to-be-identified attackers.
“The Commissioner of Police has deployed tactical units to cordon off the market and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. Investigation is ongoing,” she stated.

Meanwhile, this latest incident adds to a series of violent disputes across the South-South region. In October, the killing of a man, Ghenero, in Delta State, who was stabbed to death during a fight over a business debt in the Iyara area was reported.

Police authorities have since urged residents to remain calm while investigations into the Obio/Akpor market killing continue.