The popular Marian Market in Calabar and its surroundings were plagued by fears of retaliation after some rate-collecting agents purportedly killed a Hausa boy.

The youngster was approached by the rate agents at the market on Wednesday afternoon, which is when the alleged killing occurred.

After they had dug up several rusted irons in their wheelbarrow, he and his companions were ordered to pay N100 by the agents.

The guys refused to pay the N100 fee that other hawkers were willing to pay, claiming that they were just passing through the market and not selling any goods, according to the market women who were eyewitnesses.

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The girls claimed that the rate agents would not accept the boys’ justifications and made an effort to coerce them into giving up the paltry amount.

A major fight resulted from the boys’ refusal to back down and their refusal to give in.

“A fight ensued between the agents and the Hausa boys in the market. One of the agents brutally hit the Hausa boy and he died instantly. There was pandemonium all over the market as a result. The agents took to their heels,” a trader, Mrs Angelina Effiong, who sells second-hand clothes, explained.

According to Cyril Umoh, another trader, the furious Hausa youths later transported their kinsman’s body to their settlement so it could be buried yesterday.

The commotion continued on Thursday when a big contingent of the slain relatives stormed the Marian market with firearms in an attempt to locate any remaining rate collectors.

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Many market vendors and bus drivers travelling the route left the area, fearing turmoil and retaliation.

To avert disaster, the police had sent a sizable contingent of officers to the market.

Irene Ugbo, a police spokesperson, claims: “We have security meetings every morning, but the issue was not mentioned. Seriously, I am not aware. However, I will find out and revert.”

Traders have complained on multiple occasions about the rate collectors’ brutality, mistreatment of female vendors, and outright destruction of their goods.

The state government banned rate collection due to complaints and reports, but the agents never followed the order.

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