SHOCKER:Nigerian state with highest rate of snake bite revealed

The Chairman of the National Emergency Committee on Snake Bite, Dr. Isma’il Jibrin, has stated that Gombe recorded the highest number of snake bite cases in Nigeria due to its environmental conditions.Between January and July 2025, the Snake Bite and Research Centre in Kaltungo reported 1,829 cases of snake bites, resulting in 23 deaths.Speaking at the 2nd Scientific Conference of the Toxicology Society of Nigeria (TSN) in Gombe, themed “Exploring Indigenous Anti-Snake Venom Development and Therapy in Nigeria: Policies, Challenges and Opportunities,” Dr. Isma’il disclosed that 75 per cent of victims are men.He identified the carpet viper as the most dangerous species and lamented the high cost of anti-snake venom, which Nigeria is only allowed to produce for local use under WHO guidelines.Chairman, Board of Trustees of TSN, Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Daudu, said the choice of Gombe as venue was apt, describing it as a state “grappling with snake bite challenges”.He said the conference would help proffer solutions and called for local production of anti-venom to cut costs.Gombe Deputy Governor, Dr. Manasseh Jatau, who represented Governor Inuwa Yahaya, said the state constructed 114 primary healthcare centres across all wards, a move that earned it international recognition.

Source/Bizpoint