Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue, on Wednesday, dismissed rumours of disappearance of genitals as “baseless and the handiwork of mischief makers“.

The rumour which has gone wild in the Guma Local Government Area of the state had led to acts of arson in Daudu.

Mr. Ortom, while visiting the areas destroyed in the aftermath of the alleged mystical occurence refuted the claims saying there was no single confirmed case of the incident.

The governor said the concocted tales of male genital disappearance were not only untrue but also meant to encourage hatred and underdevelopment of the area.

He expressed regrets that while the people had yet to recover from the effects of  herders` attacks, “it was unthinkable for the youth in the area to embark on destruction of properties for a nonexistent disappearance of genital organs.”

Mr. Ortom noted that such allegations could scare people who go to Daudu for investment purposes, adding that “law and order must be maintained at all times”.

To prove his point, the governor requested those with complaints of missing genital organs to present themselves for physical examination for which only one person turned out but could not prove his claim as his male organ was still intact.

Mr. Ortom warned the people against any breakdown of law and order and said such acts would be tackled by the security agents.

A Guma chief Dennis Shemberga commended security agents and others for the critical roles they played in ensuring that peace returned to Daudu.

He said the governor’s visit was timely and would help to douse tension in the area.

The Benue police command had also dismissed the claims earlier while admitting that it had arrested eight people in connection with the destruction of property in the area.