Benue SEMA Issues Snakebite Alert, Advises Residents to Take Precautions

The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has urged residents across the state to stay alert for snake bites as the rainy season continues.

The warning follows the treatment of several snakebite victims at Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH). SEMA noted that the danger is not limited to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and can affect anyone.

According to SEMA, snakes become more active during the rainy season, raising the chance of encounters, especially in rural communities and farming areas.

The agency advised people to keep their surroundings clean and free of bushes, to exercise caution on village roads, farms, and bush paths, and to wear protective footwear while working in the fields.

It also recommended using flashlights when moving at night and seeking immediate medical care if bitten by a snake.

SEMA stressed the importance of collective vigilance to safeguard families and communities, emphasizing that maintaining clean environments can significantly lower the risk of snake encounters.

Residents who need assistance or additional information are encouraged to contact the agency.