Advertise to our over 10,000 daily Benue viewers HERE.
Tragic deaths from snake bites continue to be reported in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across Benue State, highlighting the dire living conditions and inadequate medical support for victims of insecurity.
In a recent Facebook post, Asom D Jerry drew attention to the death of one Iwuese, who succumbed to a snake bite at an IDP camp. The post noted that many others have suffered similar fates due to the unavailability of life-saving treatment.
Anti-snake venom (ASV), the primary medication for treating snake bites, costs approximately ₦200,000 per vial, making it largely inaccessible for many displaced persons. According to the post, ₦1 million can purchase only five vials, while ₦2 million can buy ten vials.
The author questioned the priorities of the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), James Iorpuu, stating that he receives ₦350 million monthly from the Local Government Joint Account through the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, yet appears more focused on personal enjoyment of SEMA funds rather than addressing urgent needs in the camps.
The post, which included a note from a victim, was copied to several anti-corruption and human rights organisations, including the ICPC, EFCC, United Nations Human Rights bodies, Human Rights Watch, and the Human Rights Commission, calling for intervention.
The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by IDPs in Benue, where insecurity, poor living conditions, and limited access to healthcare continue to claim innocent lives. No official response from SEMA or the state government has been reported as of now.
