Snakes washed by flood into Kanke, Kanam and other communities in Plateau State 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, the state capital, after visiting the victims.

Golu said that some had died while others in critical conditions were on admission in various hospitals and traditional snake treating homes.

He said that 13 victims were at Zamko clinic in Langtang, 20 in traditional healers’ treatment homes, seven in herbalists’ centres, while some visit the centres for daily treatment owing to lack of bed space.

“Some have even been treated and discharged, but a woman at my place, who has been treated and discharged, still has pus gushing from the bitten spot and we have advised her to return to the hospital for fresh checks.

“We fear that something worse may result from the wound if not properly treated because she is already limping,” he said.

Describing the situation as “very scary and pathetic”, Golu said that the snakes, who move openly and always in pairs, were washed into the communities by flood.

“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.

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.

“Other world health bodies like WHO and UNICEF should also step in because it is a serious situation that requires all hands on deck.”

The law maker also called on the federal and state governments to fumigate the homes, farmlands and the general environment of the communities to reduce the number of snakes, especially since they appeared to be reproducing.

He said that the fumigation would also reduce the number of crocodiles washed into the communities, pointing out that the weather of the area was naturally attractive to such reptiles.

Golu said that he had advised the people to use hand gloves and rain boots while on their farms to minimise the effect of the snake attacks.

“But even such precautions can only minimise the damage because some of the snakes just fly into their victims and knock them off before biting them.

“Others just splash their poisonous saliva into the faces of their victims and that is equally dangerous,” he said.

He said that the situation had led to other environmental concerns with waterborne diseases like typhoid and gastro enteritis becoming common, urging extra caution among the people.

Golu also suggested that traditional snake charmers should be supported to help the people.

“Some charmers have devices through which they attract the snakes and get them killed; such initiatives will reduce their number and need to be encouraged,” he said.

He said that the urban centres were not spared as a huge black mamba was killed in the Jos residence of a former member of the House of Representatives last week.


http://dailytimes.com.ng/plateau-snakes-invade-communities-attacks-many/

FTC Again?

Am blessed among the living....

1 & Only Jadon

nor be ordinary snake be dat o

U guys wer kilin them anyhow of recent, n uploadin them on nairaland, now its paybck time .
The snake kingdom rily planned their attack, for them to send 3 of der most venomous species. Viper, cobra, black mamba i pray dey find a solutn soon.

Warizdiz?
These snakes are not in Nigeria pls, esp that green 1. These snakes pix ar googled. I need live pix of d snake b4 I and other well meaning Nlders will believe this

op congrats you have been nominated for liar of the season. so all dis designer snake follow flood ?

dulux07:
U guys wer kilin them anyhow of recent, n uploadin them on nairaland, now its paybck time .
The snake kingdom rily planned their attack, for them to send 3 of der most venomous species. Viper, cobra, black mamba i pray dey find a solutn soon.

Nah the first batch be this oo.


The main the main warriors never show face

And when you kill them some 'Americanized' Nigerians would ask why you didn't take them to the zoo.

Snakes are part and parcel in most northern communities. That's why most of the people there have snake and scorpion venom antidotes in their homes (at least in where I served in Benue, not sure about Plateau).

You don see who FTC help paid bill before

Jadonaldson:
FTC Again?
Am blessed among the living....
1 & Only Jadon

The snake kingdom has been unleashed

[size=20pt]Snakes Revolt. . They v come to protest. [/size]

i thought the Nigerian army general was playing with snakes? let em deploy army to pick them up na

Buhari why na

OK

j

Sins of their great grandfathers, where are all those numerous pastors in that state. Now is the best time to cast and bind... Not run like naija police

This is really scary.... Hope something will be done in earnest to prevent further damage in terms of loss of productive human resources to these dangerous reptiles as majority of those who will be affected are likely to be farmers who are toiling to feed the nation

I heard seun likes snakes

Oya lalasticlala, front page quickly or u myt be fired

Naturally, snakes only attack when they feel they are in danger.

Na soso bad news this morning from madman killing innocent civilians to mysterious snake causing trouble what a tragedy.God please heal our land

see as snake dey bite n injure people.... buh if the ppl see snake kill am, some mumu NLders will come out to say y must we kill dem, say dey will soon go into extinction.... extinction jor, substraction ni......

Hmmmm... Its well sha

Wey tin d snakes dey look 4 ni,who offend dem ...na wa oo..quick recovery 2 d victims

its been a season of snake killings since this year, ..now the snakes are angry..God help them o

ZYZZA:
Buhari why na

receive sense in jesus name

kk

Hate dat thing called snake....#abasha








Meanwhile, am watin 4 baba's supplementary list oo...
Inside it my name will be

Tallesty1:
Nah the first batch be this oo.


The main the main warriors never show face

park well bro.... U mussta b high on rotten pussssyy juice

North is truly a cursed territory .

K