Final answer:
Okeke's fear, expressed through the mention of his physiological reactions, could signify concern for personal safety or someone else's, notably Venters. In literature, such expressions of fear often contribute to developing characters and escalating tension within the narrative.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage in question seems to indicate that the character Okeke is experiencing a profound fear. Without additional context, it's difficult to specify the nature of this fear precisely. However, from the provided text, we can infer that this fear could stem from a concern for personal safety or the wellbeing of another individual, possibly Venters as mentioned. In literature, such expressions of fear often contribute to developing characters and escalating tension within the narrative.