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At least 12 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have reportedly suffered snake bites at overcrowded camps in Agagbe community, Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
The latest victim, a 14-year-old boy identified as Chagu Terhemen, was bitten on Friday while accompanying his father to the farm in Gaambe Ushin Council Ward.
A fellow displaced person, Terna Ibaah, told journalists on Sunday that the teenager, who hails from Tse Abian in Sengev Ward, only received traditional treatment after the incident. His condition worsened on Sunday afternoon when he began convulsing.
“The fear of losing the boy made us raise an alarm because medical personnel only visit the camp between Monday and Thursday,” Ibaah said.
He revealed that between January and August this year, no fewer than 12 IDPs had been bitten by snakes across camps in Agagbe. Although no deaths have been recorded, victims are reportedly struggling without prompt medical care.
Ibaah accused the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) of neglecting the displaced persons, alleging that the camp manager refused to assist Terhemen because he was not residing inside the camp facility.
“The camp manager knows that due to congestion, many IDPs live with host communities. The victim is a registered IDP with number 81XO1649,” Ibaah insisted.
He identified five major camps in Agagbe — RCM Primary School, Sisters’ Convent, St. Francis Secondary School, Old Police Station, and Adzequa Store — which, according to him, are already overstretched by the growing population of displaced persons.
When contacted, SEMA’s Information Officer, Tema Ager, confirmed that the agency has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, where registered IDPs are entitled to medical attention.
“As long as the victim is a registered IDP, he should be taken to the Teaching Hospital for treatment,” Ager stated.
The worsening living conditions in Benue IDP camps have continued to raise concerns, with humanitarian groups warning of looming health and safety crises if urgent interventions are not provided.
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