Rivers Shuts Market as Trader Stabbed to Death Over ₦500 Dispute

The Rivers State Government has shut down the Obio/Akpor International Market, also known as Amaechi Market, following the gruesome killing of a trader during a dispute over ₦500

The incident occurred on Sunday morning at the busy market along Celestine Omehia Road, Port Harcourt Eyewitnesses said the altercation between two traders escalated into violence when a group of hoodlums descended on the victim, identified as Ejike Enyadike, and stabbed him multiple times A second trader, who attempted to intervene, was also attacked and sustained serious injuries. He was later rushed to the hospital for treatment, while the deceased was confirmed dead at the Rukpokwu Primary Health Centre In the wake of the tragedy, traders hurriedly closed their shops and fled the market in panic. The Obio/Akpor Local Government Council later sealed the market to prevent further violence and maintain peace Chairman of the market, Mr. C.P. Oburu, confirmed the development, saying the closure was a precautionary step to allow police investigations Spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, also confirmed the incident, noting that an investigation had begun. She added that tactical teams had been deployed to the area to restore calm and apprehend the culprits. Residents and business owners have since condemned the killing, describing it as senseless and avoidable. They appealed to the state government to increase security presence around major markets to forestall similar incidents Police authorities have urged anyone with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the assailants to come forward as investigations continue.