By Tivta Samuel Aondohemba

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by snakebite incidents in Benue State are set to receive free medical treatment following a partnership between United States-based humanitarian organisation, Equipping The Persecuted (ETP), and Bishop Murray Hospital, Makurdi.

The intervention is aimed at improving access to anti-venom treatment for displaced communities living in temporary settlements, where exposure to snakes and limited healthcare resources remain major concerns.

Speaking during a meeting at Bishop Murray Hospital to conclude arrangements for the programme, the Benue State Coordinator of Equipping The Persecuted, Mr Andy Nomsoor, said the organisation was prompted to act after receiving reports of increasing snakebite cases among IDPs.

According to him, information provided by Benue indigene and member of the organisation, Barr. Franc Utoo, highlighted snakebite as an urgent health challenge requiring humanitarian attention.

“Our primary concern is the IDPs. We want to partner with the hospital to ensure victims of snakebites from IDP camps in Benue State receive free treatment. To achieve this, we will provide anti-venom to the hospital to support affected persons,” Nomsoor said.

He commended Barr. Franc Utoo for drawing international attention to humanitarian challenges affecting vulnerable communities, while also appreciating ETP founder, Mr Juud Soul, for supporting victims of violence and displacement.

Responding, the Health Coordinator of Bishop Murray Hospital, Very Rev. Fr. Peter Palave, described the intervention as timely and lifesaving.
Fr. Palave recalled that the hospital previously operated a snakebite treatment programme supported by former Benue State Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, before and during his administration.

He stated that the programme recorded significant success, claiming that more than 30,000 lives were saved and snakebite-related mortality was almost eliminated during that period.

However, he said the situation changed after the programme ended, as many victims now struggle to access expensive anti-venom treatment.

“When Governor Ortom supported the programme, mortality was virtually zero. Today, we witness heartbreaking scenes in the hospital almost every day as families lose loved ones to snakebites because they cannot afford treatment,” he said.

The hospital official appealed for greater support for the institution, noting that Bishop Murray Hospital continues to provide healthcare services despite operating without government subvention.

He stressed that the Church remains committed to humanitarian healthcare delivery despite the financial pressures involved.

The partnership, with Dr Martins Chuwan serving as ETP’s lead medical representative at the hospital, is expected to provide renewed support for IDPs across Benue State who remain vulnerable to snakebite emergencies.