By Patrick Idowu
A wave of fear swept through Usha community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State as a 54-year-old farmer, Jeremiah Onuminya, collapsed and died following a false alarm about an attack by suspected herders.
Eyewitnesses reported that Onuminya was on his way to the farm on Monday, March 31, when some youths suddenly screamed, “Fulani! Fulani!!” in terror.
Attempting to flee, he ran a short distance before collapsing near his home, where he was later confirmed dead.
The tragic incident came amid rising tension in the community after the alleged poisoning of 20 cows on a nearby farm, fueling fears of reprisal attacks.
Confirming the event, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government, Melvin James, expressed condolences to the family and cautioned against spreading unverified information.
He stated that security reports and family testimonies indicated that Onuminya’s death was due to exhaustion, not an actual attack.
James advised residents to remain calm and refrain from raising false alarms, warning that unnecessary panic could disrupt the fragile peace in the community.
