A routine business disagreement at a popular fruit market in Port Harcourt ended in tragedy on Saturday morning, leaving a 30-year-old trader dead and one suspect in police custody.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed that the incident occurred around 7:00 a.m. at the Fruit Market in Oil Mill, Rumuokwurusi.
According to police accounts, trouble started when a trader, later identified as Higightor Wenem from Mbagel Village in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State, asked a wheelbarrow operator, Zakara Afaaruwu, to move his barrow to create space for goods.
The request reportedly sparked an argument.
The disagreement escalated, and Afaaruwu allegedly stabbed Wenem with a dagger.
The injured trader was rushed to a nearby military hospital for emergency treatment but was pronounced dead by doctors.
His remains have since been deposited at the morgue for autopsy.
The killing briefly triggered tension between members of the Hausa and Benue communities in the area, prompting panic at the busy market.
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Police operatives swiftly intervened, restoring calm and preventing further unrest.
Authorities said the suspect has been arrested and is currently undergoing interrogation, while investigations continue.
Confirming the development, Police Public Relations Officer CSP Grace Iringe-Koko assured residents that the situation is under control, with security personnel maintaining surveillance in the area.
She urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding, reiterating the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
Police added that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.