Godsent Ogbebor
54-Year-Old Farmer Dies After False Alarm on Herdsmen Attack
A 54-year-old farmer, Jeremiah Onuminya, has died after collapsing while fleeing from a false alarm about an attack by suspected herders in the Usha community of Agatu Local Government Area, Benue State.
Witnesses said Onuminya was on his way to his farm on March 31 when some youths suddenly shouted in panic, “Fulani! Fulani!!” Believing an attack was imminent, he ran but collapsed a short distance from his house and died instantly.
The incident followed rising tension in the area after 20 cows were allegedly poisoned on a nearby farm.
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However, the Agatu Local Government Chairman, Melvin James, on Wednesday said investigations found no evidence of an attack.
Security agencies and the deceased’s family agreed that Onuminya likely died from exhaustion while trying to escape.
James called for calm, urging residents to avoid spreading false alarms that could incite panic and disrupt the fragile peace in the community.