A 54-year-old farmer, Jeremiah Onuminya, from the Usha community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, tragically slumped and died following a false alarm about an attack by suspected herders.
According to local sources, Onuminya was heading to his farm on Monday, March 31, 2025, when a group of youths suddenly shouted, “Fulani! Fulani!!” in panic. Attempting to flee for safety, he collapsed just a few meters from his house and died on the spot.
Heightened Tension in Agatu Community
The incident occurred amid growing unease in the community after reports surfaced that 20 cows had been allegedly poisoned on a nearby farm. The situation fueled fears of potential retaliatory violence, further straining relations between local farmers and herders.
Official Response and Investigation
Confirming the development in a statement on Wednesday, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin James, expressed condolences to the bereaved family. He stated that preliminary investigations, carried out with the support of security agencies and the deceased’s relatives, indicated that Onuminya’s death was due to exhaustion while fleeing, with 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,” read a statement signed by the LG chairman’s media aide, Solomon Obochi.
James urged residents to avoid spreading unverified information that could incite panic or destabilize the fragile peace in the community. He emphasized that false alarms not only cause unnecessary fear but also pose significant risks to public safety and security efforts.
Accusations Over Cattle Poisoning
Meanwhile, the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Risku Mohammed, accused a local farmer of deliberately poisoning 20 cows belonging to one of its members. The allegation has further heightened tensions in the area, with calls for an independent investigation to ascertain the truth and prevent further conflict.
Authorities have urged both communities to exercise restraint and allow law enforcement agencies to handle the situation to maintain peace and stability in the region.
