A 54-year-old farmer, Jeremiah Onuminya, from Usha in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, collapsed and died following a false alarm about an attack by suspected herders.
According to local sources, Onuminya was on his way to his farm on Monday, March 31, when panicked youths suddenly shouted, “Fulani! Fulani!!” Believing an attack was imminent, he attempted to flee but collapsed just a few meters from his house and died on the spot.
The incident came amid rising tensions in the community after 20 cows were allegedly poisoned on a nearby farm.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government, Melvin James, expressed condolences to the deceased’s family.
He stated that investigations, backed by security agencies and the family, indicated Onuminya likely died from exhaustion while fleeing, with no evidence of an actual attack.
While an autopsy was suggested, the family declined, attributing his death to health complications.
James urged residents to avoid spreading false information that could incite panic and threaten the community’s fragile peace.
He warned that false alarms could endanger lives and undermine ongoing security efforts.
Meanwhile, PUNCH Online earlier reported that the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Risku Mohammed, had accused a local farmer of poisoning 20 cows belonging to one of its members.