A 54-year-old farmer, Jeremiah Onuminya, from the Usha community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, has reportedly slumped and died after a false alarm about an attack by suspected herders caused panic in the area.
Eyewitnesses told Hobnob News that Onuminya was on his way to his farm on Monday, March 31, when some youths suddenly shouted, “Fulani! Fulani!!” in fear. Attempting to flee, he ran toward his home but collapsed just a few meters away and died on the spot.
The incident comes amid rising tensions in the community following allegations that 20 cows were poisoned on a nearby farm.
Confirming the development on Wednesday, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government, Melvin James, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased. According to a statement by his media aide, Solomon Obochi, initial investigations by security agencies and Onuminya’s family indicated that he likely collapsed from exhaustion while trying to escape. There was no evidence of an actual attack.
“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 read.
James cautioned residents against spreading unverified information, emphasizing that false alarms could incite panic and disrupt the fragile peace in the community. He warned that misinformation posed a serious threat to public safety and security efforts in the region.
The incident follows accusations by the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Risku Mohammed, that a local farmer had poisoned 20 cows belonging to one of its members. The claim has fueled existing tensions between farmers and herders in the area, with authorities working to prevent further conflicts.
Local security agencies have urged residents to remain calm and report any security concerns to the appropriate authorities rather than resorting to panic or spreading unverified information.
