Authorities in Rivers State have shut down the popular Obio/Akpor International Market, also known as Amaechi Market, following the killing of a trader identified simply as Ejike, allegedly by a group of meat sellers during a quarrel over N500.
The incident occurred around 11am on Sunday, along SARS Road in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, when over 20 attackers reportedly stabbed Ejike multiple times with daggers.
Eyewitnesses said another man who attempted to rescue the victim was also stabbed in the ribs and is now in critical condition in the hospital.
Outraged by the killing, female traders on Monday staged a protest at the Obio/Akpor Council headquarters, demanding the relocation of the alleged violent group while expressing fear over rising insecurity in the market.
One of the protesters, who pleaded anonymity for fear of victimisation, claimed that aside from the deceased, another person went into a coma.
“One man is dead, and the person who tried to rescue him is in a coma. More than 20 of them chased him over N500 and stabbed him to death. We want peace. They should leave our market,” a protesting woman said.
Another trader, who declined to be named, accused the attackers of being behind criminal activities in the market.
She lamented, “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, saying Ejike was pronounced 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,” he said.
Oburu added that the market has been sealed by the council authorities and police, pending further investigation.
“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 incident, state Police Command spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said one person was killed by yet-to-be-identified attackers.
