Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Tension rippled through the bustling Fruit Market in the Oil Mill axis of Rumuokwurusi, Port Harcourt, on Friday after a routine disagreement escalated into a fatal stabbing, leaving a 30-year-old trader dead and sparking unrest among sections of the trading community.
The victim, identified as Higightor Wenem, was reportedly killed during an altercation with a wheelbarrow pusher in the early hours of February 14, 2026. The suspect, Zakara Afaaruwu, has since been arrested by the Rivers State Police Command and is currently in custody as investigations continue.
According to eyewitness accounts gathered at the scene, the confrontation began when Wenem asked Afaaruwu to move his wheelbarrow, which was said to be obstructing space needed for displaying goods. Traders familiar with the layout of the market said congestion is common in the area, particularly during peak trading periods, and disputes over space are not unusual. However, what began as a request to clear room quickly deteriorated into a heated argument.
Witnesses alleged that Afaaruwu refused to reposition the wheelbarrow, leading to a verbal exchange that escalated within minutes. During the confrontation, the suspect reportedly produced a dagger and stabbed Wenem. Market-goers described scenes of panic as traders and customers scattered for safety while others attempted to intervene.
Wenem was rushed to the Military Hospital in Port Harcourt for emergency medical attention. Medical personnel on duty, however, pronounced him dead shortly after arrival. His body has since been deposited in a morgue pending autopsy.
The incident triggered immediate tension within the market, particularly between traders of Hausa origin and others from Benue State, where the deceased hailed from. Wenem was identified as a native of Mbagel Village in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State. Community members expressed anger and grief, prompting fears of retaliatory violence.
In a statement released on Saturday, Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the killing and the arrest of the suspect. She said preliminary investigations indicate that the dispute stemmed from efforts by the deceased to create more room for his merchandise.
“The Rivers State Police Command has verified a murder incident that took place on Saturday, February 14, 2026, around 7:00 a.m. at the Fruit Market, Oil Mill, Rumuokwurusi, Port Harcourt,” the statement read. “Initial investigations suggest that a trader requested a wheelbarrow pusher to move his wheelbarrow which was blocking the area. The refusal led to an argument during which the suspect allegedly stabbed the trader.”
Iringe-Koko noted that swift intervention by police operatives prevented further breakdown of law and order. Officers were deployed to the market immediately after reports of the stabbing, dispersing agitated groups and restoring calm. Security presence in the area has since been heightened to deter any reprisal attacks.
Authorities emphasized that the situation is now under control and urged residents to remain calm while investigations proceed. The police also reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and security across Rivers State.
The Fruit Market in Oil Mill is one of the busiest trading hubs in Port Harcourt, serving thousands of residents daily. Traders say competition for limited space often leads to disagreements, especially among informal workers such as wheelbarrow pushers who transport goods within the market. However, they described Friday’s incident as unprecedented in its severity.
Local leaders within the market have reportedly begun internal consultations aimed at easing ethnic tensions and preventing escalation. Some traders called for clearer regulations governing movement and space allocation within the market to avoid similar disputes in the future.
Security analysts note that markets in densely populated urban centers across Nigeria frequently experience disputes arising from congestion, informal sector competition, and lack of structured oversight. While many such disagreements are resolved without violence, the absence of rapid mediation mechanisms can allow tempers to spiral.
Community representatives from both Hausa and Benue groups have appealed for restraint. They stressed that the actions of an individual should not be interpreted as representative of an entire ethnic community. Religious and civic leaders in the Oil Mill area have also urged dialogue and cooperation to prevent the incident from deepening divisions.
Residents interviewed on Saturday expressed concern about rising tensions but acknowledged the visible security deployment as reassuring. Patrol vehicles were stationed at strategic points around the market, and officers were observed conducting routine checks.
The police have not yet disclosed whether the suspect has made a formal statement or whether charges have been filed. Legal proceedings are expected to follow upon conclusion of preliminary investigations. Under Nigerian criminal law, homicide cases involving alleged use of a weapon typically attract serious charges, potentially including murder.
Meanwhile, the family of the deceased is said to be making arrangements for burial, pending completion of the autopsy. Friends and fellow traders described Wenem as hardworking and dedicated to supporting his relatives back home in Benue State.
As Port Harcourt continues to grapple with periodic security concerns, authorities are likely to face renewed scrutiny over safety measures in crowded commercial spaces. Market associations across the city may also reassess internal dispute-resolution frameworks in light of the incident.
For now, calm has largely returned to the Fruit Market, though traders admit that underlying tensions remain. Police officials have assured residents that further updates will be communicated as investigations advance.
The tragic episode underscores the fragility of peace in densely populated marketplaces where economic pressures, ethnic diversity, and limited infrastructure intersect. While law enforcement intervention prevented wider violence, the fatal outcome serves as a stark reminder of how quickly everyday disagreements can escalate when emotions override restraint.
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