There was palpable tension in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Tuesday morning following the killing of a livestock dealer, identified as Ejike Enyadike, during a dispute at the Rumuokoro Market.
Eyewitnesses told reporters that Enyadike, who hailed from Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of Rivers State, was stabbed to death by a group of northern traders, popularly referred to as “Aboki men,” during an altercation in the market.
The incident, which occurred early in the morning, reportedly sparked panic among traders and buyers, with many fleeing the scene as tension escalated.
An eyewitness, who preferred anonymity, said the deceased was attacked without provocation.
“Ejike did not do anything. They just stabbed him suddenly. We have been complaining that these Aboki people carry daggers and dangerous weapons around the market, but the police have not done anything about it,” the witness claimed.
According to residents, previous complaints had been lodged at the Rumuokoro Police Station regarding the presence of armed traders allegedly wielding daggers and other weapons within the market environment.
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However, no preventive action was taken before the tragic incident.
The deceased’s village in ONELGA is yet to be confirmed as at press time, while security operatives have since been deployed to the market to forestall further violence.
When contacted, the Rivers State Police Command was yet to release an official statement on the incident.
Meanwhile, community members have called for justice for Enyadike and stricter enforcement of laws prohibiting the possession of dangerous weapons in public places.