Benue: CERON raises alarm over snakebite deaths in IDP camps, urges fumigation

By Benedicta Aboh

The Campaign for Equal Rights and Opportunities for All Nigerians (CERON) has called on the Benue State Government to urgently fumigate Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps and host communities across the state following a reported increase in snakebite cases.

The Secretary of CERON, Francis Odiir, made the appeal on Wednesday in a statement expressing concern over the rising number of snakebite incidents in the camps and neighbouring communities.

Odiir said more than 14 cases had been recorded in various IDP camps and host communities in the last three weeks, adding that some victims had reportedly died due to inadequate access to medical care.

He described the situation as worrisome, noting that several victims had been hospitalised while others were receiving treatment from traditional herbalists.

“It is a worrisome development. Many have been hospitalised and several others have lost their lives to snakebites in the IDP camps and host communities.

“From reports we have gathered so far, more than 14 IDPs have suffered snakebites in some of the camps scattered across the state in the last three weeks and, as we speak, the numbers are increasing by the day,” he said.

The CERON secretary described the situation as unacceptable, arguing that urgent preventive measures could help avert further casualties.

“It is completely unacceptable for this to be happening in the camps and host communities when it can be prevented. That is why we are calling on the state government to undertake the fumigation of the IDP camps and host communities to check the rising cases of snakebites in the camps,” he said.

He stressed that fumigation was an urgent intervention needed to address the growing threat and protect displaced persons and their host communities.

Odiir lamented that some victims had died, while others struggled to access appropriate medical treatment because of financial constraints.

“Some have died and some are lucky to get proper treatment, but many get to the hospital when it is too late. And many cannot afford the treatment. It is a situation that should worry those in authority,” he said.

He added: “And the immediate solution is to get the camps and host communities fumigated quickly to save innocent lives.”

Beyond the immediate health concerns, Odiir urged the state and Federal Governments to expedite efforts to return displaced persons to their ancestral homes, saying prolonged displacement had undermined their dignity and livelihoods.

He argued that Benue should not continue to accommodate thousands of displaced persons in camps when many of them had previously depended on farming to sustain their families.

“Benue cannot continue to be a home of IDPs. The people need to go back home. The state and Federal governments must act fast to return the people home.

“Nigeria is not in a state of war, therefore we cannot continue to have thousands of people fleeing their ancestral homes and permanently living in IDP camps,” he said.

According to him, prolonged displacement has deprived the affected people of their dignity and forced many to depend on handouts for survival, despite having previously earned their livelihoods through farming.

Odiir said the displaced persons needed to return to their farms and communities, where they had been supporting their families before their displacement.

He attributed their displacement to attacks by armed herders and called for urgent government action to restore their safety and enable them to resume their normal lives.