A recent incident in the Usha community, located in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, has sparked widespread concern after a 54-year-old farmer, Jeremiah Onuminya, collapsed and died following a false alarm about an alleged attack by suspected herders. The event, which occurred on Monday, March 31, highlights the ongoing tension between local farmers and herders in the region, exacerbated by recent conflicts and false rumors.
The Incident: Panic and Tragedy
According to reports, Onuminya was heading to his farm early on the morning of March 31 when a sudden shout of “Fulani! Fulani!!” was heard, originating from some youths in the community. The panic spread rapidly, causing many to flee the area in fear of a possible attack by suspected herders. In the chaos, Onuminya, attempting to escape, collapsed just a few meters from his house. Despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The alarming cries, which were later confirmed to be a false alarm, triggered a cascade of fear throughout the community, with many residents panicking about potential attacks. Sadly, Onuminya’s death was a direct consequence of this panic, as he collapsed from exhaustion while trying to flee the scene.
Background Tensions: Poisoned Cows and Local Conflicts
The tragic incident came on the heels of heightened tensions in the Agatu Local Government Area. Days before Onuminya’s death, reports emerged that 20 cows had been poisoned on a nearby farm, allegedly by a local farmer. This incident had already fueled unrest between the herders and the farming community, with both sides accusing each other of malicious actions.
In light of these recent events, the community’s fragile peace had been on edge, and rumors of attacks were already circulating. These rumors and false alarms only worsened the situation, culminating in Onuminya’s tragic death.
Official Statement and Findings
Melvin James, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, confirmed the incident in a public statement on Wednesday. He expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased and urged calm within the community. According to initial investigations, corroborated by security agencies and the family, Onuminya’s death was not due to an attack but rather resulted from exhaustion after he attempted to flee in fear. No evidence of any attack was found.
James also revealed that the family had declined an autopsy, believing that the cause of Onuminya’s death was related to pre-existing health complications. While the official cause of death remains a matter of family and health-related concerns, James emphasized the importance of truth and verification before spreading information.
Call for Caution and Unity
In his statement, the Chairman strongly cautioned the residents of Agatu against spreading unverified information. He highlighted the risks posed by false alarms and rumors, which can lead to panic and disruption of community peace. James underscored the critical importance of maintaining a unified and peaceful community, especially given the sensitive nature of the tensions between farmers and herders in the region.
The Chairman also appealed to the public to avoid actions that might further inflame the situation and called for collective efforts to ensure security and peace in Agatu. The call for caution comes at a time when tensions between local farmers and herders have reached alarming levels, with incidents of cattle poisoning, land disputes, and clashes contributing to the volatile atmosphere.
Conclusion: A Community in Crisis
The tragic death of Jeremiah Onuminya serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by misinformation and the potential consequences of unchecked panic. As the community in Agatu grapples with the aftermath of this incident, there is a pressing need for stronger efforts in conflict resolution, communication, and community cohesion. Only through collective vigilance, truth, and peace can the people of Usha and the wider Agatu Local Government Area hope to overcome the ongoing challenges and move toward a more secure and harmonious future.
Residents, leaders, and security agencies alike must work together to address the underlying issues that continue to destabilize the area, ensuring that tragic incidents like this do not happen again.
