THE RUMOUR SAID TO BE A RIOT

I never imagined I would witness a riot with my own eyes.

It happened on a busy market day. The streets were crowded, traders were calling out to customers, and everyone was focused on buying and selling. Suddenly, someone shouted, "Run!"

Nobody stopped to ask why.

Within seconds, people abandoned their stalls. Some grabbed their children, while others left their goods behind. I watched as slippers, bags, and baskets were scattered across the road. The fear was contagious. Since everyone was running, I ran too.

My heart was pounding as I searched for a safe place to hide. After several minutes, the crowd began to slow down. Curious, I looked back and realized there was no danger.

The whole panic had started because two young men had gotten into a fight. Someone exaggerated the situation, another person spread the rumour, and before long, everyone believed a riot had broken out.

Some traders lost their goods in the confusion. A few people were injured while trying to escape, not because of the fight itself, but because fear had taken control.

That day taught me a lesson I will never forget. Fear spreads faster than the truth. When people act without knowing the facts, small problems can become big disasters.

Since then, whenever I hear shocking news, I take a moment to find out what is really happening before reacting. Sometimes, the loudest voice in the crowd isn't telling the truth.