Snakes Invade Communities And Homes, Killing 50 In Plateau State

Residents of Kanam and Kanke communities in Plateau state are currently lamenting the invasion of different species of snakes in its environ which have bitten more than 50 people

in the last two weeks.

The dangerous reptiles like the black mamba, carpet viper and cobra are said to have been washed by flood into the communities from the River Benue causing havoc in their new habitats.

Confirming the situation after visits, Mr. Timothy Golu, the House of representatives of the area at the house of representatives lamented for quick actions by the government and necessary bodies like the WHO as many people has bitten to death, some had fled their homes, others in critical Conditions in hospital and in the homes of traditional snake healers.

Analysing the situation and number of deaths by Golu Timothy, DAILY TIMES had it that 13 victims were at Zamko clinic in Langtang, 20 in traditional healers’ treatment homes, seven in herbalists’ centres, while some visit the centres for daily treatment owing to lack of bed space.

“Some have even been treated and discharged, but a woman at my place, who has been treated and discharged, still has pus gushing from the bitten spot and we have advised her to return to the hospital for fresh checks.

“We fear that something worse may result from the wound if not properly treated because she is already limping,” he said.

Describing the situation as “very scary and pathetic”, Golu said that the snakes, who move openly and always in pairs, were washed into the communities by flood.

“As the flood pushed them from the over flown tributaries of Rivers Benue and Niger, some snakes climbed trees, others entered holes while some just held unto any available straw.

“All of them later descended into residences and farms where they have been wreaking havoc.”

While lamenting the havocs already caused by the reptiles as some of the snakes just fly into their victims and knock them off before biting them and more unforseen havocs if not controlled, Golu Timothy asked for quick intervention by the Federal government and other international bodies especially on providing free supplies of the snake vaccines to the snake victims as they could not afford it.

Nonetheless, the issue on ground has been described as a national threat and thus should be given same attention as HIV and other heath bothering diseases.