Apprehension of retaliatory actions spread through the well-known Marian Market in Calabar and nearby areas after the supposed killing of a Hausa youth, purportedly by levy-collecting agents.
The alleged incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon at the market when the levy agents confronted the youth.
The agents demanded that he and his companions, who were returning from digging up corroded metals in their wheelbarrow, pay N100.
Market women, who witnessed the event, reported that the youths declined to pay the N100 levy that other vendors paid, arguing they weren’t selling anything but just passing through the market.
The women recounted that the levy agents dismissed such explanations from the youths and tried to compel them to give up the small sum.
The youths maintained their stance, refusing to pay, which escalated into a significant altercation.
“There was a clash between the agents and the Hausa youths at the market. One of the agents violently struck the Hausa youth, causing his immediate death. The market was thrown into chaos following the incident. The agents fled the scene,” narrated Mrs. Angelina Effiong, a second-hand clothing merchant.
The aggrieved Hausa youths subsequently transported the remains of their community member to their enclave for interment yesterday, mentioned another merchant, Cyril Umoh.
By Thursday, the disturbance continued as numerous relatives of the deceased, armed, stormed the Marian market in search of the levy collectors.
Anticipating turmoil and counterattacks, many market vendors and bus operators serving the area evacuated and deserted the market.
Police forces were dispatched in significant numbers to the market to manage the situation, as per the police authorities.
Police spokesperson Irene Ugbo stated: “We conduct security briefings every morning, yet this matter wasn’t brought up. Honestly, I’m uninformed about it. Nonetheless, I will inquire and get back to you.”
Traders have repeatedly voiced grievances over the rate collectors’ misconduct, including rough treatment of female vendors, confiscation or outright destruction of their goods.
Such complaints and reports prompted the state authorities to prohibit levy collection, but the agents have consistently ignored the government’s order.
