Rising Tensions and Calls for Calm in Rivers State
In the oil-rich state of Rivers, a series of violent incidents have sparked widespread fear and tension among local communities. The recent clash between Hausa traders and Benue community members at a fruit market in Rumukrushi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, has led to a call for urgent action from security agencies to prevent an ethnic or religious crisis.
The incident began when a dispute between a wheelbarrow pusher and a trader from Benue State escalated into a fatal stabbing. Zakara Afaaruwu, the wheelbarrow bearer, allegedly stabbed John Orhmbagen, a trader from Benue, after a disagreement over space at the market. The incident resulted in chaos, with Orhmbagen being rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. In response, his kinsmen and sympathizers launched a rampage, destroying shops and goods belonging to northern traders.
Protests and Demands for Action
Following the murder of Nchelem Festus, a community leader from the Omuolu-Omunwei Community in Igwuruta, the situation worsened. The youths and women of the community demanded the immediate exit of “Aboki men” from their area, leading to heightened ethnic tensions. The protest highlighted concerns about criminal activities such as rape and kidnapping, which have left many residents, especially women, fearful of their safety.
The protesting youths issued a communique outlining four key demands: the immediate cessation of all commercial motorcycle operations by northern riders, closure of scrap dump sites operated by the same group, arrest and prosecution of those involved in the killing of Festus, and the immediate vacation of farmlands by cattle herders.
Ethnic Tensions and Misinformation
Meanwhile, a viral video by Mujahid-Dokubo-Asari, a former Niger Delta agitator, claimed that Igbo people in Port Harcourt were attacking Northern Muslims. This claim was strongly denied by Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide, which stated that the conflict was between Hausa and Benue men, both from the north. The organization urged the public to disregard the misleading video and emphasized that there is no evidence of Igbo involvement in the incident.
Calls for Investigation and Peace
The leadership of the Hausa community has called for calm and urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the clash. They also emphasized the need for security agencies to remain neutral and impartial. Alhaji Musa Saidu, leader of the Arewa Community in Rivers State, reiterated that the two individuals involved in the initial argument were Northerners, and it is the responsibility of the security agencies to address the issue according to the law.
The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has also voiced concerns about the rising tensions and called on the state government to take appropriate steps to prevent further violence. Sunny Dada, chairman of the CLO in Rivers State, urged religious and ethnic leaders to promote peace and tolerance among their followers.
Market Closure and Relocation
In response to the escalating tensions, the Obio/Akpor LGA authority ordered the immediate closure of the fruit market to prevent any reprisals. Traders were asked to relocate, and the market’s chairman, Felix Oputa, confirmed the directive, stating that the decision was made to ensure the safety of all parties involved.
Urgent Need for Vigilance
Dada also raised concerns about the prevalence of daggers among certain groups, highlighting the need for increased vigilance from security agencies. He questioned why individuals would carry daggers and use them in the slightest provocation, calling on the government to address this issue promptly.
In conclusion, the situation in Rivers State underscores the urgent need for dialogue, investigation, and measures to prevent further ethnic and religious conflicts. As the community grapples with the aftermath of these incidents, calls for unity, peace, and justice continue to resonate.
