The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a trader at the Obio/Akpor International Market, also known as Amaechi Market, prompting authorities to shut down the popular marketplace.
Police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the victim, identified simply as Ejike, was attacked by yet-to-be-identified assailants on Sunday along SARS Road in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Eyewitnesses reported that Ejike was stabbed multiple times by a group of more than 20 meat sellers following a dispute over ₦500. Another man who attempted to rescue him was also stabbed and is currently in critical condition in the hospital.
The killing sparked outrage among traders, particularly women, who marched to the Obio/Akpor Council headquarters on Monday to protest rising insecurity in the market and demand the removal of the alleged violent group.
Chairman of the market, C.P. Oburu, confirmed the incident, saying Ejike was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital after the attack.
“I was in church when I received the call. The doctor confirmed him dead. We took the body to the mortuary and reported to the police,” Oburu told journalists.
He added that the market has been sealed by local council authorities and security agencies pending further investigation, with some arrests already made.
SP Iringe-Koko said the Commissioner of Police has deployed tactical units to cordon off the market and ensure those responsible are apprehended, stressing that an investigation is ongoing.
