Concerns are growing over the treatment of internally displaced persons suffering from snakebites at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, with reports indicating that some victims face delays in accessing care despite official claims of free treatment.
Joseph Joo, who handles media and publicity for IDPs in Benue State, has repeatedly drawn attention to the plight of snakebite victims from displacement camps currently receiving treatment at the hospital. He identified two of the patients as Miss Dowuese Amar from Daudu IDP camp and Mrs Grace Mbachian Achigbe from Ortese IDP camp, appealing for prayers and urging the Benue State Emergency Management Agency to give the cases urgent attention.
In a more recent update, Joo reported that Mrs Grace Mbachian Achigbe from Ortese IDP camp passed away at the hospital a few hours after his earlier visit. He had previously highlighted inadequate treatment of displaced snakebite victims and called on the government to intervene.
The situation has prompted public questions about the availability and distribution of free anti-snake venom. Tivta Samuel Aondohemba noted that the Benue State Emergency Management Agency has repeatedly announced on social media that it provides free treatment and anti-snake venom to IDPs who suffer snakebites at the teaching hospital. However, accounts from the ground suggest some victims remain on hospital beds without immediate care, forcing individuals and humanitarian groups to appeal for financial assistance from the public.
Critics have asked where the Federal Government’s donated free anti-snake venom is being kept, how many victims have benefited from it, and how it is being distributed to hospitals treating such cases. They emphasise that snakebite is a medical emergency and that victims, particularly IDPs and poor farmers, should not have to depend on social media appeals or private individuals before receiving life-saving treatment.
The developments have raised broader questions about whether announced interventions are translating into timely care on the ground for displaced persons affected by snakebites in the state.
