A 54-year-old farmer, Jeremiah Onuminya, from Usha community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, lost his life after collapsing due to a false alarm about an attack by suspected herders.
Eyewitnesses in the community noted that Onuminya was on his way to his farm on Monday, March 31, when some youths suddenly shouted, “Fulani! Fulani!!” in distress.
Believing an attack was imminent, the farmer attempted to flee but collapsed just a short distance from his home. He died on the spot before help could arrive.
The incident followed a recent dispute over cattle deaths in the area. Reports indicated that around 20 cows had been allegedly poisoned on a nearby farm, increasing tension among farmers and herders in the community. This atmosphere of fear may have contributed to the panic that led to Onuminya’s tragic death.
In response to the incident, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government, Melvin James, issued a statement expressing condolences to Onuminya’s family.
He noted that investigations carried out by security agencies, along with accounts from the deceased’s family, confirmed that there was no actual attack. Instead, Onuminya appeared to have suffered a fatal collapse from exhaustion while trying to escape.
“In an effort to determine the exact cause of death, the chairman suggested an autopsy; however, the family declined, accepting that Mr. Onuminya’s passing resulted from health complications,” the statement, issued by his media aide, Solomon Obochi, read in part.
James urged community members to refrain from spreading unverified claims that could create unnecessary panic and disrupt the peace in the area. He warned that false alarms could have dangerous consequences, leading to avoidable tragedies and undermining security efforts.
