A 54-year-old farmer, Jeremiah Onuminya, tragically lost his life in the Usha community of Agatu Local Government Area, Benue State, after collapsing in fear following a false alarm of an attack by suspected herdsmen.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, March 31, 2025, has sparked concerns about the heightened tension in the area, where frequent clashes between farmers and herders have instilled deep-seated fear among residents.
Eyewitnesses said Onuminya was on his way to his farm when some youths suddenly shouted, “Fulani! Fulani!!” in panic. Startled and fearing for his life, he attempted to flee but collapsed just a few meters from his home. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The tragic event unfolded amid reports that 20 cows had been allegedly poisoned on a nearby farm, further intensifying fears of retaliation in the already volatile community.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin James, expressed his condolences to the bereaved family. He noted that preliminary investigations, in collaboration with security agencies and the deceased’s relatives, revealed that Onuminya’s death was likely due to exhaustion while fleeing, with no evidence of an actual attack.
“In an effort to determine the exact cause of death, we suggested an autopsy; however, the family declined, accepting that Mr. Onuminya’s passing resulted from health complications,” read a statement by the chairman’s media aide, Solomon Obochi.
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James urged community members to desist from spreading false alarms, warning that panic-driven misinformation could escalate tensions and compromise public safety.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Risku Mohammed, condemned the alleged poisoning of cows, accusing a local farmer of orchestrating the act.
He called for peaceful coexistence and dialogue between herders and farmers to prevent further conflicts.
The incident underscores the fragile security situation in Benue State, where deep mistrust between farming communities and herders continues to fuel unrest.
Authorities have reiterated the need for calm and vigilance, urging residents to verify information before reacting in ways that could lead to unintended tragedies.