Farmers in the Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State are sounding the alarm over a disturbing rise in deaths from snakebites, particularly during the crucial crop harvesting season.
Ndagi Zakari, a local representative in the State House of Assembly, voiced his concerns on behalf of the farmers during a recent plenary session, highlighting the alarming increase in fatalities resulting from these incidents.
Zakari noted that many victims are bitten while commuting to their farms, amplifying the risks faced by those in the agricultural sector. He underscored the pressing need for intervention, as the absence of accessible medical care has turned snakebites into a serious danger.
“The victims are not merely statistics; they are our brothers, sisters, and neighbors,” Zakari stated.
He pointed out that despite the growing number of deaths, hospitals lack access to antivenom due to exorbitant prices, with each injection costing approximately N200,000—an amount far too high for local peasant farmers.
Zakari explained that the harvesting season sees a spike in snakebite incidents, as snakes are more active and likely to strike at farmers working in the fields. He expressed concern that many victims resort to traditional remedies, which he considers both unsafe and ineffective given the scarcity of proper medical treatments.
In response to the crisis, the House passed a resolution urging the state government to provide free antivenom injections to public health facilities across Niger State to help mitigate the death toll. However, the farmers are demanding immediate government action to ensure affordable antivenom is available and to enhance safety measures that protect their lives and livelihoods.
For further updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VabITrvEAKW7DSkTfP0J