Outrage as wheelbarrow pusher stabs trader to death at Rivers market

Tension erupted at the fruit market, oil mill, Rumuokwurusi, Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Saturday morning when a male wheelbarrow pusher identified as Zakara Afaaruwu, stabbed a trader to death with a knife.

The 30-year-old male trader at the market identified as Higightor Wenem, from Mbagel Village, Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State, was struck with a long knife while attempting to create more space for his goods, following Afaaruwu refusal to remove his wheelbarrow which was obstructing the area, resulting in a heated arguments.

Spokesperson of the Nigeria police Command in Rivers, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko who confirmed the arrest of the murder suspect in a statement on Saturday, when pandemonium broke out between members of the Hausa and Benue Communities in the area.

She said the victim was immediately rushed to the Military Hospital for medical attention but was confirmed dead by the medical Doctor . His corpse has been deposited at the morgue for autopsy.

Iringe-Koko revealed that the incident led to tension and pandemonium between members of the Hausa and Benue communities in the area.

But, the prompt intervention by police operatives restored calm and prevented further breakdown of law and order, according to the police spokesperson, noting that the situation is now under control, and monitoring of the area is ongoing.

The statement in part reads, “The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed a murder incident that occurred today, Saturday, 14th February, 2026, at about 7:00 a.m. at the Fruit Market, Oil Mill, Rumuokwurusi, Port Harcourt”.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that a trader at the market, while attempting to create more space for his goods, requested a wheelbarrow pusher identified as Zakara Afaaruwu ‘m’ to remove his wheelbarrow which was obstructing the area. The request was refused, and an argument ensued.

“In the course of the disagreement, the wheelbarrow pusher allegedly stabbed the trader, identified as Higightor Wenem ‘m’ aged 30 years, from Mbagel Village, Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State, with a dagger (knife).

“The incident led to tension and pandemonium between members of the Hausa and Benue Communities in the area. However, prompt intervention by police operatives restored calm and prevented further breakdown of law and order.

“The suspect has been arrested and is currently in police custody while investigation continues.

“The situation is now under control, and monitoring of the area is ongoing. Further developments will be communicated”, according to the police.

The Command assures members of the public of its commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state and urges residents to remain calm and law-abiding.