A recent deadly incident at Port Harcourt’s Oil Mill Market has brought renewed attention to the fragile nature of market life in the city.
Traders from the Hausa and Benue communities were involved in a confrontation that reportedly began over a request to move a wheelbarrow. The dispute quickly escalated, resulting in the death of one person and panic among shoppers and traders.
This is not the first time tensions at Market places have turned deadly. Historically, some traders from the Hausa and Fulani communities have been involved in violent clashes when disputes arise, with knives or daggers often drawn in moments of provocation.
Over the years, several lives have been lost in such confrontations, making it a pattern that both residents and traders recognize.
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Residents and traders are urged to avoid actions that could escalate conflicts and to stay clear of heated arguments in busy public spaces.
For those navigating Oil Mill Market—or any crowded trading hub—the advice remains: maintain calm, respect other traders’ space, and disengage from disputes whenever possible. Awareness and caution can prevent minor disagreements from becoming deadly incidents.
Oil Mill Market remains a vital hub for commerce in Port Harcourt, bringing together traders and customers from across Nigeria. Its vibrancy depends not only on business but also on the careful balance of coexistence.
