Benue govt spends over N160m to treat IDPs of snake bites – BSEMA
Benue State Government has spent more than N160 million on the treatment of snake bites among internally displaced persons (IDPs) between The post Benue govt spends over N160m to treat IDPs of snake bites – BSEMA…
Benue State has for years grappled with large-scale internal displacement driven by recurring farmer-herder clashes and attacks on rural communities, particularly in local government areas such as Guma, Logo, Agatu and Gwer West. Hundreds of thousands of residents have been forced into makeshift camps and informal settlements, where overcrowding, poor sanitation and proximity to bush and farmland have left displaced persons vulnerable to health hazards, including snake bites, especially during the rainy season when snakes are more active.
The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) is the state body responsible for coordinating humanitarian response, camp management and welfare support for IDPs. Its disclosure of spending on snake bite treatment highlights the less-publicised health burdens of protracted displacement, beyond the commonly reported issues of food shortages, insecurity and funding gaps for IDP camps. The coverage does not provide a breakdown of how the funds were disbursed, the number of IDPs treated, or the source of the money, details that may emerge as the story develops.