Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State are still facing severe hardships, with many victims of snake bites struggling to access life-saving anti-snake venom and hospital care, leading to preventable deaths despite substantial government allocations and international donor support.
A recent post by activist Joseph Joo, widely shared on social media, highlighted the ongoing crisis, noting that ordinary citizens, priests, and volunteers are stepping in to assist victims where government intervention has fallen short. Joo specifically drew attention to the case of seven-year-old Iwuese Gowon from Block O, Room 59, Ortese IDP Camp, who was bitten by a snake in her mother’s room, resulting in rapid swelling of her leg.
According to the reports, many IDP victims cannot afford treatment, even as billions of naira from fuel subsidy removal funds and over three billion naira in donations from individuals and international organizations flow into the state for displaced persons support.
The situation has sparked questions about the utilization of these funds, with comparisons drawn to the administration of former Governor Samuel Ortom, who reportedly made snake bite treatment free across the state.
Public concern is growing over the continued suffering in IDP camps under the current administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia, with calls for urgent intervention to prevent further loss of lives.
