Deadly Clash At Marian Market: Hausa Teen Killed In Fee Dispute

The incident occurred on a Wednesday afternoon when the collectors confronted the youth and his companions, who were transporting rusted irons in a wheelbarrow, demanding a payment of N100.

Eyewitnesses, predominantly market women, recounted that the boys, who were not engaged in selling goods but passing through, refused to comply with the fee, sparking a heated altercation.

“The agents insisted on the payment, leading to a brawl between them and the Hausa boys,” explained Mrs. Angelina Effiong, a vendor of second-hand clothing at the market. “Tragically, one of the agents struck the Hausa boy forcefully, resulting in his immediate death. This caused chaos throughout the market, prompting the agents to flee.”

According to Cyril Umoh, another trader, the deceased’s fellow Hausa community members later removed his body for burial.

By Thursday, the area remained tense as enraged community members, armed and seeking justice, descended on the Marian Market, searching for the collectors responsible.

In anticipation of unrest, many market women and bus drivers abandoned their posts, fleeing the scene. Police authorities responded swiftly, deploying a substantial contingent to stabilize the situation.

In response to the escalating complaints of misconduct by the collectors—allegations of assault, theft, and destruction of goods—the state government had previously banned the practice, but enforcement has been lax, exacerbating tensions among traders.