[h=2]Snakes invade Plateau communities, attacks many[/h]
October 13, 2015Premium Times
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, Timothy Golu, 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...
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?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.
?Government must come in with full force and ensure that the anti-snake venom is provided to the people free of charge because it is too expensive for the rural poor...
