Calm returns to two hot markets spots in PH after deadly clashes

Calm has returned to both the Igwuruta Market and Oil Mill Market, all in the Obio/Akpor section of the Rivers State capital.

This is as both the leader of the northern community in Rivers State and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) have called for peace.

Tension began when the Obio/Akpor LGA boss banned street trading, using task force teams to push hawkers off the busy areas such as Rumuokoro and Oil Mill areas.

The hawkers most northern youths began to force themselves into peoples shops to escape invading task force men. This was said to created fracas and other forms of hostilities.

Asari Dokubo, an ex-militant leader, jumped into the fray by allegedly releasing a message (video) accusing South-East persons of fomenting violence in another man’s state.

This immediately attracted rebuttal from Livingstone Weche, Ikwerre-born Rivers State chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who said the South East people or Igbos should not be dragged into what was between other ethnic nationalities to avoid setting Igbos up for attacks.

Next, the NOA in the state stressed that the state cannot endure any form of bloodletting, especially arising from confrontations among ethnic groups.

Edward Banigo, the state coordinator made this known. Banigo, on Tuesday February 17, 2026 in Port Harcourt, called for calm following what some have described as rising tension among members of some ethnic groups in the state.

Citizens across the state expressed apprehension over the resurgence of ethno-related violence, with most anxious over the prospect of renewed political violence in a run-up to the 2027 general elections.

Read also: We cannot afford another bloodletting in Rivers, NOA tells groups

The tension grew when commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada, were banned in Igwuruta after a native was stabbed to death by persons suspected to Northern youths.

Banigo also expressed concern over the situation, urging security agencies to increase surveillance on issues relating to ethnic tension or conflicts in the state.

“It is quite unfortunate to hear the news from various communities or some communities in the state concerning killings. And the unfortunate thing is that these killings are ethnic-based. It is a purely ethnic-based killing. And this is what the National Orientation Agency frowns at.

“Recall that the agency has been on this, preaching about national unity. In fact, we even had a programme which we tagged, ‘Pathway to National Unity’, where we emphasized the need for peace, the need for us as Nigerians to live together as one.

“It is unfortunate that some persons want to take the law into their hands by killing their fellow citizens. And this is unacceptable in any civilized society.

“Now, coming to have another round of violence in the name of ethnic problems, that one will be too much for the state. Therefore, I want to call on the law enforcement agencies, especially the Nigerian police, so please do more to put this to an end. We cannot afford another bloodletting in Rivers State,” he said.

Banigo also urged security agencies and ethnic leaders in the state to engage in dialogue as a way of quelling ethnic-related tension in the state.

“Rivers State is known as a very peaceful state and the people are hospitable but those who are coming to the state to do business or to live here, should not take the peaceful nature of the people for granted.

“They should live in peace with their hosts and their fellow citizens. I want to call on leaders of the various ethnic groups, the Northern community, the Yoruba community, the Igbo community, and indeed the indigenous community, to please call their members to order, those who are perpetrating these killings.

“Their leaders should please call their members to order. Nobody has a monopoly of violence. The government is out there to ensure that they bring those who are perpetuating this to justice,” he said.

Meanwhile, Musa Saidu, leader of the Arewa community in Rivers State, has urged Northerners living in the state to remain law-abiding and coexist peacefully with their host communities.

His call followed last week’s violent clashes, which reportedly led to the killing of a community secretary in Ikwerre Local Government Area, as well as the death of a trader at Oil Mill Market in Rumokurushi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

“We are calling for calm. We have called our people that they should be law abiding. I’m sure that they’re not creating problems,” he said.

Saidu condemned the killings, stressing that no one has the right to take another person’s life. He, however, criticized calls in some quarters for Northerners to leave their communities.

The state government has not made any statement nor has the LGA boss made any public statements but some sources said the governor worked behind the scene to restore peace and stability.