Benue Assembly passes bill for free snakebite treatment

The Benue State House of Assembly has passed a bill that provides free treatment for snakebite victims in government hospitals across the state.

The bill scaled third reading during Friday’s plenary, which was presided over by Speaker Berger Alfred Emberga. The measure is aimed at reducing the cost barrier that often delays treatment for snakebite victims, especially farmers and people in rural communities.

Daily Post reported that the passage followed a public hearing held on March 23, 2026, where health stakeholders discussed the need for a law to improve access to snakebite treatment in Benue.

Dr Matthew Damkor, who chairs the House Committee on Health and Human Services and represents Tiev State Constituency, said snakebite remained a serious but neglected public health challenge in rural areas. He said the measure would create a more organised response for victims across the state.

Daily Trust reported that the bill would cover treatment in government hospitals and was expected to help poor victims who might otherwise delay care because of cost.

The legislation is still expected to go through the governor’s assent process. If signed, it would revive state-backed support for snakebite treatment in a state where rural farmers face frequent exposure while working on farms.

Sources: Daily Post, Daily Trust