Rivers Market Shut Down After Hausa Traders Stab One Dead, Another Critically Injured

4, November 2025/Naija 247news

Tension enveloped a popular market in Rivers State on Monday following a violent clash involving a group of Hausa traders that led to the death of one person and left another battling for survival. The incident, which sparked panic and confusion among traders and residents, forced the immediate closure of the market by authorities as police and security personnel moved in to restore order and prevent further unrest.

Eyewitnesses told Naija 247 News that the tragic incident began as a minor dispute between two groups of traders before escalating into a full-blown fight that quickly turned deadly. According to accounts, the argument, which reportedly centered around ownership of trading space, degenerated into a violent altercation during which one of the traders pulled out a knife and stabbed another. The victim died instantly, while another trader who tried to intervene sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

In the aftermath of the attack, chaos erupted across the market as traders and shoppers ran for safety. Several stalls were abandoned, while some traders hurriedly locked up their shops to avoid being caught in the violence. Security operatives, including men of the Rivers State Police Command, were immediately deployed to the scene to prevent retaliatory attacks and further escalation.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the police had commenced an investigation to unravel the cause of the clash and arrest those responsible. “Our men responded swiftly to the distress call, and calm has been restored to the area. The Commissioner of Police has directed a full-scale investigation into the incident to ensure that those behind the attack are brought to justice,” she said.

She also warned against any attempt to take the law into one’s hands, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with the police in their ongoing investigation. “We understand that the incident has created tension, but we are assuring everyone that the situation is under control. The police will not tolerate any act that could lead to ethnic or communal violence,” she added.

Following the incident, the Rivers State government ordered the immediate closure of the market to allow security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and maintain law and order. A senior government official, who spoke to Naija 247 News under anonymity, described the incident as “tragic and avoidable,” stressing that the state government will not tolerate violence in public spaces.

He said, “The safety of residents remains our top priority. We have directed that the market remain closed until the police conclude their investigation. The government is committed to ensuring that such violent acts do not reoccur.”

Meanwhile, community leaders and market unions have condemned the act, calling for calm among residents and traders. The Chairman of the Market Traders Association, Mr. Chidi Eze, described the event as a major setback to the peaceful coexistence among various ethnic groups doing business in the market. “This market has always been a hub of unity for people from different parts of the country. We cannot allow one tragic incident to destroy the peace we’ve built over the years,” he said.

Representatives of the Hausa community in Rivers State also expressed regret over the incident, pledging full cooperation with law enforcement authorities. The community leader, Alhaji Mohammed Bello, said the actions of the suspects do not represent the values of peace and unity that the Hausa community stands for. “We have lived peacefully in this state for decades. We condemn the incident in its entirety and support the investigation to ensure justice is done,” he stated.

Residents have since called on the state government to strengthen security presence in major markets across Rivers State to prevent future clashes. They also urged authorities to establish mediation committees within markets to resolve disputes amicably before they escalate into violence.

Human rights advocates and civic groups in the state have also weighed in, urging the government to adopt long-term measures to address underlying issues such as poor market management, overcrowding, and lack of effective conflict resolution mechanisms. They stressed that the frequent occurrence of market-related violence points to deeper social and economic tensions that require urgent attention

The violent clash at the Rivers market, which resulted in the death of one trader and left another severely injured, has once again highlighted the fragile peace in Nigeria’s multi-ethnic commercial centers. While the swift intervention of the police helped prevent further bloodshed, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stronger market governance and conflict management systems. As investigations continue, residents and traders are calling for justice, restraint, and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence. The Rivers State government, on its part, has vowed to pursue accountability while reinforcing its commitment to ensuring safety and stability across all commercial hubs in the state.

(www.naija247news.com)

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Reporting by Favor Akpan, News Writer in Lagos, Nigeria.