Tension Erupts At Port Harcourt’s Oil Mill Market After Dispute Over Trading Space, One Man Dead
✍️ By Teju/ February 16, 2026/ 10:59am
A disagreement over space at the busy Fruit Market in Oil Mill, Rumuokwurusi, Port Harcourt, turned deadly on Saturday morning, leaving one trader dead and sparking tension among traders and community members.
According to the Rivers State Police Command, the incident began around 7 a.m. when a trader, identified as Higightor Wenem, attempted to create more room for his goods and asked a wheelbarrow pusher, Zakara Afaaruwu, to move an obstructing wheelbarrow. When Afaaruwu refused, a heated argument broke out between the two men.
As the dispute escalated, Afaaruwu allegedly drew a dagger and stabbed Wenem, a 30‑year‑old trader from Mbagel Village in Buruku Local Government Area, Benue State. Wenem was rushed to the Military Hospital for treatment but was later confirmed dead by medical personnel, according to the police.
The killing quickly caused pandemonium at the market, with members of the Benue and Hausa communities present clashing in the aftermath. Security forces were deployed, and the situation was brought under control before it widened into broader violence.
Police confirm that the suspect has been arrested and is in custody, and that investigations into the full circumstances of the incident are ongoing. The victim’s body has been deposited at the morgue for autopsy.
In response to the tragedy, local authorities have urged traders and residents to remain calm and law‑abiding, while assuring that peace and security are being maintained in the area.
The tragedy has raised concerns about safety and conflict prevention at busy markets where traders from diverse backgrounds operate in close quarters, underscoring the need for de‑escalation strategies and stronger community dialogue.
