RismadarVoice Reporters
October 20, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved four health facilities in Benue State as designated snakebite treatment centres, with arrangements to provide antivenom and specialised medical training to improve emergency healthcare services.
The approval is aimed at reducing deaths associated with snakebites, particularly among farmers, rural communities and internally displaced persons who face increased exposure to venomous snakes.
The state Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, announced the development on Tuesday in Makurdi, describing it as a significant intervention in the government’s efforts to strengthen access to life-saving treatment.
According to the commissioner, the approved facilities are General Hospital, Katsina-Ala, in Benue North-East; Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, and General Hospital, Gboko, in Benue North-West; and General Hospital, Otukpo, in Benue South.
Ogwuche explained that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare approved the facilities to improve access to emergency treatment across the state’s three senatorial districts.
Under the Federal Neglected Tropical Diseases Envenoming Programme, the centres are expected to receive government-procured antivenom to support the treatment of snakebite victims.
Healthcare workers at the facilities will also undergo specialised training in snakebite management to improve emergency response and reduce complications resulting from delayed treatment.
The commissioner said the intervention would support Governor Hyacinth Alia’s free snakebite treatment initiative and reduce the financial burden on vulnerable households.
He commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, for supporting the programme and strengthening cooperation between federal and state health authorities.
The development comes amid growing concerns about snakebite incidents among displaced populations in Benue.
The Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), James Iorpuu, recently disclosed that the state had spent more than ₦160 million treating snakebite cases involving internally displaced persons between March and September 2026.
Iorpuu said the expenditure covered medical interventions for affected displaced persons, many of whom face difficulties accessing essential healthcare services.
Benue’s predominantly agricultural economy also places farmers and residents of remote communities at increased risk of snakebite incidents, particularly during farming activities.
Ogwuche maintained that expanding access to antivenom and properly trained medical personnel would help prevent avoidable deaths and strengthen emergency treatment services.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working with federal agencies and healthcare institutions to improve access to essential medical services.
The antivenom supplies and specialised training are expected to followfederall approval, although a specific delivery or implementation date has not been announced.
