Benue Assembly passes free snakebite treatment bill into law

The Benue State House of Assembly has enacted a law that will provide free treatment for individuals bitten by snakes at state-run hospitals throughout the region. The legislation was approved following a successful third reading during a plenary session led by Speaker Berger Alfred Emberga. The bill emerged from a public hearing held on March 23, 2026, where health sector stakeholders highlighted the urgent need for measures to enhance access to snakebite treatment in Benue.

Dr. Mathew Damkor, Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Health and Human Services, emphasized that snakebite is a significant public health issue that has been neglected, particularly among farmers and rural dwellers. He explained that the new law aims to alleviate the financial burdens that often delay victims from receiving timely medical attention and establish a structured approach to managing snakebite cases across the state.

Speaker Emberga affirmed that the legislation is both timely and essential, given the high prevalence of snakebite incidents among farmers and other rural residents. He stressed that the law will address many of the challenges faced by snakebite victims, especially those living in remote parts of Benue State.