Panic Turns Tragic as Benue Farmer Dies Following False Alarm on Herders’ Attack

A 54-year-old farmer, Jeremiah Onuminya, sadly lost his life in the Usha community of Agatu Local Government Area, Benue State, after a false alarm about a looming attack sent him running for safety.

According to local sources, Onuminya was on his way to his farm on Monday, March 31, when a sudden cry of “Fulani! Fulani!!” erupted from a group of panicked youths. Believing the community was under attack by suspected herders; the farmer took to his heels in fear but collapsed just meters from his home, and died instantly.

The unfortunate incident comes just days after 20 cows were reportedly poisoned on a nearby farm—an event that had already heightened tension and fear among residents.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government, Melvin James, extended condolences to the deceased’s family. He noted that preliminary investigations—conducted with security agencies and the family’s cooperation, found no evidence of an attack. Instead, Onuminya is believed to have collapsed from exhaustion or underlying health complicationswhile trying to escape.

“To clarify the exact cause of death, the local government proposed an autopsy, but the family declined, accepting that Mr. Onuminya’s passing was due to health-related factors,” a statement by James’ media aide, Solomon Obochi, read in part.

James also warned against spreading false alarms, emphasizing that misinformation could incite unnecessary panic and disrupt the fragile peace in Agatu. He urged residents to remain vigilant but to verify information before reacting; emphasizing that fear-driven chaos could be just as dangerous as real threats.

This disaster highlights the overwhelming impact of panic-induced hysteria in communities grappling with security concerns and calls for greater public awareness, crisis management, and responsible information sharing.