A pastor with the Church of Christ in Nations, Rev. Nankur Peter Kundul, has died after reportedly being bitten by a venomous snake while serving as a missionary in Boltim village, Gamakai District, Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Kundul reportedly died at the Sabon Gida Clinic, where he was receiving treatment after the snakebite.
A fellow pastor, Rinkyer Asaph, disclosed the incident in a post shared on the Christian Daily International social media platform on Monday.
Asaph said the late cleric was serving in the community as a missionary when he was bitten, adding that other residents had also reportedly died from snakebites in the area.
“M y heart is deeply saddened by the demise of my friend, Pastor Nankur Peter Kundul of COCIN Boltim, Gamakai, in Langtang South LGA, who lost his life to a snakebite at the Sabon Gida Clinic,” Asaph said.
He alleged that at least two other Christians had died from snakebites in the community within the preceding week.
Asaph described the situation as increasingly alarming, particularly because Gamakai serves as a major agricultural centre in Langtang South, where many residents depend on farming for their livelihood.
He warned that the rising number of snakebite fatalities could discourage farmers from going to their farms, potentially affecting food production and the livelihoods of residents.
“The recent deaths from snakebites in Gamakai have reached an alarming level and demand urgent intervention. Snakebite should not become a death sentence simply because a person lives or farms in Gamakai,” he said.
Pastor seeks urgent government intervention
Asaph urged the Plateau State Government and relevant health authorities to urgently intervene and investigate the reported increase in venomous snake activity in the community.
He called for measures to prevent further deaths and ensure that residents who suffer snakebites have prompt access to appropriate treatment.
“Another person must not die from a snakebite that could have been prevented or treated. It is an emerging public health emergency that requires prompt, coordinated and decisive action from the local, state and federal authorities,” he stated.
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The cleric appealed to the authorities to treat the situation as an emergency and take immediate steps to protect residents, particularly farmers who regularly work in areas where snakes may be encountered.
“Gamakai is an emergency that deserves a swift response from authorities,” Asaph added.
