Benue State spends N160m on snakebite treatment for IDPs

The Benue State Government has spent over N160 million treating internally displaced persons (IDPs) for snakebites over a six-month period between March and September. James Iorpuu, Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), disclosed that the funds were used to facilitate medical interventions at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi.

Iorpuu noted that the state government stepped in to provide these healthcare services due to inadequate support from humanitarian partners. While the expenditure specifically addressed snakebite treatments, the agency also facilitated care for other serious illnesses and medical emergencies among displaced populations.

Despite these interventions, SEMA is facing significant resource constraints. Iorpuu acknowledged that the volume of monthly food and non-food item distributions has declined significantly from previous levels. Meanwhile, leaders of several IDP camps have raised concerns regarding irregular food supplies, inadequate shelter, poor sanitation, and a lack of livelihoods for residents across the state's 14 recognized camps.