The Benue State Government has sounded the alarm over an alarming increase in snake bites among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in camps across the state.
According to the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), James Iorpuu, the agency has recorded a surge in cases of snake bites in recent months, leading to significant healthcare costs.
Speaking during the distribution of relief materials to IDPs camps on Wednesday, Iorpuu revealed that over 15 displaced persons have required medical treatment for snake bites in the past few months.
He expressed concern over the financial burden placed on the state government to cover the treatment costs, which run into millions of naira.
To mitigate the risk of snake bites, SEMA has taken proactive measures to fumigate all IDP camps, including the Ikyogen camp.
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However, Iorpuu emphasized the need for continued support from partners, both local and international, to address the ongoing challenge.
The snake invasion in the IDP camps has added another layer of hardship to the already vulnerable displaced populations, who are struggling to recover from the displacement caused by conflict and violence.