At least twelve Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) living in camps across Agagbe community in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State have reportedly suffered snake bites between January and August 2025.
One of the victims, 14-year-old Master Chagu Terhemen, was bitten by a snake last Friday while on his way to the farm with his father, Tse Kyomke Mbapupuu, in Gaambe Ushin Council Ward.
Speaking with our correspondent on Sunday, a fellow IDP, Terna Ibaah, explained that Chagu, originally displaced from Tse Abian village in the Sengev Council Ward, was given traditional treatment immediately after the bite. However, the boy’s condition worsened as he began convulsing on Sunday afternoon, sparking fears that he might not survive without urgent medical attention.
“The fear of losing the young man necessitated the alarm,” Ibaah said, lamenting that medical personnel only visit the Agagbe IDP camps between Mondays and Thursdays.
He further revealed that since January, at least 12 IDPs in Agagbe have been bitten by snakes, though fortunately none have died. Most victims, according to him, are treated with local herbs because of poor access to medical care.
Ibaah accused camp authorities of neglecting victims, alleging that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) representative in the camp declined to assist Chagu because he resides with a host community rather than inside the camp itself.
“The camp manager said they cannot treat him because he is not staying directly in the camp, but due to congestion, many registered IDPs are forced to live with host communities. The victim’s registration number is 81XO1649,” he said.
He disclosed that there are five overcrowded IDP camps in Agagbe – RCM Primary School, Sisters Convent, Saint Francis Secondary School, the old police station, and Adzequa store – all of which are struggling with congestion and poor facilities.
Reacting to the situation, the Information Officer of SEMA, Tema Ager, clarified that the agency maintains a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, where registered IDPs can receive emergency treatment.
“As long as the victim is a registered IDP, he should be allowed to access treatment at the Teaching Hospital,” Ager explained, stressing that medical support is available for genuine cases.
The recurring snake bite incidents have now raised serious concerns about the living conditions and healthcare challenges facing displaced persons in Benue State, particularly in the overcrowded Agagbe camps.
