Benue SEMA Raises Alarm as More Farmers and Residents Fall Victim to Snakebites

(Benue SEMA. Photo Credit: Benue SEMA)
The Benue State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, is worried about the growing number of snakebite cases in the state.

Farmers are in dangers more, families forced to flee their homes, and anyone else who is struggling.

The agency's concern follows two recent cases from Daudu 1 IDP camp in Guma Local Government Area.

Isaac Shula, 35, and Mbapuun Tyoshio, 19, were both bitten while working on their farms.

Both were referred to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH, in Makurdi for treatment under SEMA's supervision.

SEMA's Health Focal Person, Dr Amos Dzungwe, said snakebite cases are becoming more common across the state.

He said the agency has received several calls for medical help from different parts of Benue, which shows the problem is growing.

Dzungwe said two patients who were bitten had recovered and gone home within the past two weeks.

Other victims are still in hospital.

He warned residents not to delay treatment after a snakebite, saying this could lead to serious complications.

He advised anyone bitten by a snake to go to a recognised health facility immediately.

SEMA also asked the public to ignore false reports and politically motivated accounts about snakebite cases, especially those involving IDPs.

The agency said health emergencies affecting vulnerable people should be handled responsibly and not used for political gain.