Benue Council Boss, Ejeh warns against false alarm, unnecessary tension 

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Council, Melvin James Ejeh on Tuesday warned those raising false alarm and causing unnecessary tension over the security situation in Usha community in Agatu area to desist from such acts or face arrest.

Ejeh maintained that such alarms not only create panic and give hoodlums the opportunity to harass, rob and even kill innocent people, has resulted in the unexpected death of Mr. Jeremiah Onuminya from Usha Ward on March 31, 2025.

He explained that the late Onuminya received a distress call based on a false alarm  that herdsmen were coming to attack his community as a result of the alleged poisoning of 20 cows by Agatu villagers.

In a statement by his Press Secretary, Solomon Obochi, the chairman described as unfortunate, the tendency of some persons to exaggerate the situation thereby causing fear in the minds of the people.

Niger: CAN condoles DG Bureau of Religious affairs over mother’s death

He said preliminary investigations, corroborated by security agencies and Mr. Onuminya’s family indicated  that the deceased collapsed due to exhaustion while fleeing, and there was no evidence of any assault by Fulani herdsmen.

According to him, the Chairman has personally reached out to the bereaved family to express his heartfelt condolences and offer support during this difficult time. 

“In an effort to ascertain the exact cause of death, the Chairman suggested conducting an autopsy.  However, the family declined, accepting that Mr. Onuminya’s demise was as a result of health complications.

“The Council has been working closely with the family to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. We also wish to address and refute claims circulating on some social media platforms alleging that Mr. Onuminya was killed by Fulani herdsmen.

” There is no evidence to support this claim. We therefore challenge anyone with superior facts to bring it forward as such misinformation can only  trigger unnecessary tension within our communities.

“We urge all residents to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information that could incite panic and disrupt the peace we have been striving to maintain. 

The dissemination of false alarms poses significant risks to the well-being of our people and undermines the progress we have made in fostering unity and security”, Ejeh.