By Deborah Nnamdi
The Rivers State government has ordered the closure of the popular Obio/Akpor International Market, also known as Amaechi Market, following the gruesome killing of a trader, identified simply as Ejike, during a dispute allegedly sparked by N500.
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Sunday along SARS Road in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, when more than 20 men believed to be meat sellers reportedly attacked and stabbed the victim multiple times with daggers.
Eyewitnesses said another man who tried to rescue Ejike was also stabbed in the ribs and is currently in critical condition at a nearby 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 from the market. They expressed fear over growing insecurity and frequent attacks by hoodlums within the trading complex.
One of the protesting traders, who declined to give her name, said the assailants were notorious for violence and extortion.
“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 in our market,” she said.
Another trader accused the group of being behind theft, drug sales, and other criminal activities within the market. “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,” she lamented.
Confirming the incident, the Market Chairman, C.P. Oburu, said Ejike was pronounced dead on arrival 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 the matter to the police,” he said.
Oburu added that the local government chairman had sealed the market in collaboration with security agencies pending further investigation. “Security agencies have made some arrests, and the market will remain closed until further notice,” he stated.
Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, also confirmed the incident, saying 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 said.
