Tragedy struck the bustling Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State on Tuesday evening when an unidentified businessman was fatally stabbed by a laborer, causing panic and chaos to ensue among the market goers. The laborer had been hired by the victim to assist with unloading goods at his warehouse, situated in the section of the market dedicated to baking materials.Details surrounding the incident remained murky, with conflicting accounts emerging. According to market sources, an altercation over payment erupted between the laborer and the businessman, serving as the catalyst for the unfortunate event. While it remained uncertain whether the businessman was robbed, unverified reports indicated that the laborer absconded with the deceased’s money.An anonymous source, who was present at the scene, disclosed, “The businessman was suddenly discovered lying in a pool of his own blood, while the Hausa laborer was nowhere to be found. The exact sequence of events remains unknown, but it is suspected that the laborer, hired by the deceased, may have stabbed him before making off with his money.”The incident triggered a swift and impassioned response from young individuals in the vicinity, who promptly organized themselves in pursuit of the perpetrator. Fearing potential reprisal attacks from the agitated mob, other northerners sought refuge at the nearby Army Barracks and Central Police Station in Onitsha.Confirming the incident, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, the state police public relations officer, affirmed that a murder had taken place on Bright Street within the Main Market at approximately 4 pm. Though unable to provide details about the suspect’s identity, Tochukwu emphasized that the perpetrator’s personal information was inconsequential. He vowed to ensure the arrest and prosecution of whoever was responsible, stressing that the act of murder warranted accountability, regardless of the individual’s identity.Law enforcement swiftly dispatched personnel to the crime scene upon receiving the report. Upon arrival, authorities discovered the victim lying in a pool of blood and promptly rushed him to a hospital. Tragically, the attending physicians confirmed his demise.Preliminary investigations conducted by the police suggested that the incident was not a robbery, as all the goods in the warehouse remained untouched. Instead, the evidence pointed toward a clear case of murder, necessitating the unraveling of the circumstances surrounding the heinous act. The police were actively pursuing leads and working tirelessly to apprehend the suspects involved.As the investigation continues, the Onitsha Main Market community remains shaken by the shocking event, grappling with the loss of a fellow merchant and seeking solace amid the prevailing unease.