The disturbances in Makurdi metropolis of Benue State was on Sunday traced to wild rumour.
Suspected hoodlums on Saturday went on rampaged, injured at least 10 people, burnt houses and looted properties in Wadata area of Makurdi.
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Daily Trust reports that most of the people who spoke at an expanded security meeting held at the Government House in Makurdi on Sunday, testified that they could not ascertain specific cause of the incident.
Chief Imam of Izala Mosque, Imam Umar Shiaubu, noted that several untrue things were said about the incident and that contrary to insinuation making rounds about the unrest as having a tribal colouration, he rescued many Tiv people by keeping them in safe custody at his residence until they were handed over to security.
Similarly, Haruna Mohammed, on behalf of Wadata community Hausa youths, noted that the entire saga began with a rumour that a traveller was attacked by mob and with no one confirming exactly what happened, tension built up among some hoodlums who caused unrest in the metropolis.
In the same vein, the Tiv youth leader Igba Alom Joshak, explained that some hoodlums took advantage of the prevailing security situation in the state to circulate rumours which heightened tension around Makurdi to the extent of lawlessness.
"No Tiv youth would want to foment trouble in Makurdi because this is our home," Joshak said.
On his part, Governor Samuel Ortom, who presided over the meeting warned that the state would not be surrendered to criminality as he warned cultists and other hoodlums that the next few few weeks would not be palatable for them.
Ortom also appealed to people of the state not to stereotype Fulani herders, stressing that those who kill were criminals and must be treated as such in accordance with the law through the security agencies as he urged residents in the state to coexist peacefully with their neighbours.
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