Snakes washed by flood into Kanke, Kanam and other communities in Plateau have bitten more than 50 people in the last two weeks.
The representative of the area at the House of Representatives, confirmed the development in Jos after visiting the victims.
Mr. Golu said that some had died while others in critical conditions
were on admission in various hospitals and traditional snake treating
homes.
He said that 13 victims were at Zamko clinic in Langtang, 20 in
traditional healers’ treatment homes, seven in
herbalists’ centres,
while some visit the centres for daily treatment owing to lack of bed
space.
“Some have even been treated and discharged, but a woman at my place,
who has been treated and discharged, still has pus gushing from the
bitten spot and we have advised her to return to the hospital for fresh
checks.
“We fear that something worse may result from the wound if not properly treated because she is already limping,” he said.
Describing the situation as “very scary and pathetic”, Mr. Golu said
that the snakes, who move openly and always in pairs, were washed into
the communities by flood.
“As the flood pushed them from the over flown tributaries of Rivers
Benue and Niger, some snakes climbed trees, others entered holes while
some just held unto any available straw.
“All of them later descended into residences and farms where they have been wreaking havoc.”
He said that the commonest species were the black mamba, carpet viper
and cobra, and declared that most victims usually depend on luck to
survive.
Mr. Golu urged the Federal and Plateau Governments to treat the snake
invasion as “a national medical emergency concern”, and give it the
same response given to HIV/AIDS and the Ebola virus.
Really scared right now.
Please the government should hear the cry of its masses. After all they serve us.
Let the change begin!!!
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