The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) announced on Sunday, October 18, 2026, that it spent over ₦160 million between March and September 2026 to treat snakebite victims among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and vulnerable communities across the state.
The disclosure was made by the Executive Secretary of Benue SEMA, Sir James Iorpuu, during a press briefing at the agency’s headquarters in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
Outlining the agency’s humanitarian activities over the six-month period, Iorpuu highlighted that emergency health interventions remain a priority due to the increased vulnerability of displaced citizens.
According to SEMA, many snakebite incidents occur when IDPs venture out of designated camps into surrounding bushlands and farms to seek food or earnings.
The ₦160 million expenditure covered the procurement of life-saving anti-snake venom (ASV), emergency hospitalization, and related care under the agency’s healthcare partnership with medical facilities, including the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) in Makurdi.
Beyond emergency treatments, Iorpuu noted that SEMA recently organized capacity-building programs, training 248 camp managers and staff to manage emergency health responses and improve camp administration.
The agency’s announcement comes shortly after the Benue State House of Assembly passed a bill in late September providing free medical treatment for snakebite victims at government health facilities statewide.
Sponsored by Hon. Matthew Damkor, Chairman of the House Committee on Health and Human Services, the legislation aims to alleviate the burden on rural farmers and displaced populations who face high risks of snake envenomation.
Sir James Iorpuu reassured the public that Benue SEMA will maintain its active medical support and monitoring across displacement sites, ensuring prompt intervention and adequate relief distribution for affected communities.
