The Benue government is to institute an inquiry into the perennial violence in Guma local Government, according to Gov. Samuel Ortom.

Ortom announced this on Friday, when he visited Abinsi in Guma Local Government Area, to ascertain the level of damage to property.

“The panel will also find out those involved in the crisis and recommend measures to avoid a recurrence,” he said.

He urged residents of the area to remain calm, stressing that security agencies were already on hand to forestall further break down of law and order.

He said that his administration would not allow criminals to harass and attack law abiding residents, and warned bandits to steer clear of Benue.

Ortom urged security agencies to apprehend people found with illegal guns so as to minimise criminal behaviour in the state.

Earlier, the District Head of Abinsi, Chief Christopher Abeke, had told the governor that a misunderstanding between two young boys of Tiv and Jukun extractions caused the current crisis.