A 54-year-old farmer, Jeremiah Onuminya, from the Usha community in Agatu Local Government Area, Benue State, tragically collapsed and died after a false alarm about an attack by suspected herders.
According to sources in the community, Onuminya was on his way to his farm on Monday, March 31, when a group of youths suddenly shouted “Fulani! Fulani!!” in panic. In a bid to escape, he ran but collapsed just a few meters from his house and died on the spot.
The incident came just days after 20 cows were reportedly poisoned on a nearby farm, which had increased tension in the community.
Agatu Local Government Chairman, Melvin James, confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday, April 2, and expressed condolences to the family. Initial investigations, supported by security agencies and the family, suggested that Onuminya died from exhaustion while fleeing, with no evidence of an actual attack.
In the statement issued by his media aide, Solomon Obochi, James noted that the family declined an autopsy, accepting that Onuminya’s death was due to health complications. He urged residents to refrain from spreading unverified rumors, warning that false alarms could disrupt the fragile peace in the area and endanger public safety.