A Hausa man reportedly killed an Igbo merchant following an incident at the famed New Benin Market in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, on Saturday morning.
The news of the purported death of the Igbo merchant triggered an immediate reaction from the local youngsters, who went on a rampage and destroyed market goods.
A video of the incident that has gone viral on social media shows enraged youths attacking the suspected murderer in a wild protest.
After the culprit was nearly lynched by the mob, a second video emerged displaying members of the Edo State Police Command escorting him into protective custody.
Armed security troops from the military and police had taken control of the volatile commercial district.
Chidi Nwabuzor, the spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, had not yet responded to the inquiries made to his office over the matter.
The man who had been stabbed has survived, stated Chidi Nwabuzor, spokesman for the Edo State Police Command.
“Good morning, gentlemen of the press. As you are all aware, a man used a cutlass to slash another man in the New Benin Area earlier today. The injured man is thankfully still alive. There will be more deals in the future. “PPRO EDO,” he penned.