Snakebite Victims to Get Free Treatment as Benue Assembly Passes Bill

By Terdue Atondu, Makurdi

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

The bill was passed after scaling through the third reading during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, MNIQS, RQS.

The passage followed a public hearing held on Monday, March 23, 2026, where stakeholders in the health sector highlighted the importance of the legislation and its potential benefits to residents, particularly those in rural communities.

Speaking on the bill, Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Health and Human Services, Hon. Dr. Mathew Damkor, representing Tiev State Constituency, said snakebite remained a serious but often neglected public health challenge, especially among farmers and rural dwellers.

Damkor said the law would remove financial barriers to treatment while establishing a structured response system for snakebite cases in the state.

The Speaker, Emberga, described the legislation as timely and important, particularly for rural communities where farmers and other residents are frequently exposed to snakebite incidents.

In a related development, the Assembly also passed the Benue State Honours Bill into law.
The legislation seeks to recognise excellence, integrity and meritorious service to the state, while promoting patriotism, diligence and innovation.

The law is also aimed at encouraging individuals and organisations that contribute