Benue Assembly Passes Bill for Free Snakebite Treatment

On September 26, 2026, the Benue State House of Assembly passed a bill to provide free treatment for snakebite victims during a plenary session led by Speaker Berger Alfred Emberga. The bill, which successfully passed its third reading, followed a public hearing where health sector stakeholders emphasized the need for accessible snakebite treatment, particularly for farmers and rural residents.

Matthew Damkor, the chairman of the House Standing Committee on Health and Human Services and representative of Tiev State Constituency, highlighted that snakebites are a serious yet often overlooked public health issue in rural areas. He stated that the proposed law would eliminate financial barriers preventing victims from receiving timely medical care and would establish a structured response to snakebite incidents.

Speaker Emberga described the legislation as “timely,” noting the challenges snakebites pose to rural communities, especially farmers. The bill awaits assent from Governor Hyacinth Alia to become law, enabling indigent snakebite victims in the state to receive free treatment in government hospitals.