At least one person has been reportedly killed in a skirmish that erupted over a case of alleged rape in the North Bank area of Makurdi town.
Nigeriacrime.com learned that the crisis which forced traders in North Bank Market and the Makurdi Modern Market to close shop for fear of miscreants who wanted to take advantage of the development to loot markets also led to the razing of homes and killing of livestock found in deserted homes.
An eyewitness said at about 9 am that a lady who claimed that a young man raped her, reported the matter to her siblings.
He said, “we learned that her brother confronted the said suspect and a fight broke out. In the midst of that free for all the young man was stabbed and eventually died.
“At that point, the fight escalated, houses, properties and even livestock were touched. Cult gangs in the area also joined the fray and people started scampering.
“Traders lucked up their shops and fled for their lives as the bad boys attempted to loot their goods. Even parents ran to schools to take their children and wards home for their safety.
“Though as we speak calm has returned to North Bank because of the presence of security personnel but people are still afraid because no one knows what will happen at night.”
Confirming the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene said a young man had chased a lady and people suspected that he was taking advantage of her.
According to her, “they asked him why he was chasing the girl and a fight ensued. Somebody stabbed him and he died on his way to the hospital.
“After his burial, some miscreants in the area rose claiming it was one community that killed the other. A house was burnt but peace has been restored to the area.”