By Ado Oyeyemi
Two residents of Lissam Sambo (Pangtso) community in Ussa Local Government Area of Taraba State have died after suffering snakebites in separate incidents within 24 hours, sparking renewed concern over inadequate access to emergency healthcare in the remote border settlement.
One of the victims, identified as Elder Bako Awanki, reportedly died on July 23 after being bitten by a snake. Another resident, who sustained a snakebite in a different location on the same day, also lost his life later that night.
The community, located along the Nigeria Cameroon border, is said to lack a healthcare facility equipped with anti snake venom, forcing victims to rely on traditional remedies while waiting for medical assistance.
Residents believe the delay in accessing appropriate treatment contributed to the deaths.
Reacting to the incidents, Chairman of the Lissam Sambo Community Development Association, Danladi Bewa, described the fatalities as tragic and said the community had repeatedly recorded similar losses due to the absence of life saving medication.
According to him, several residents have died from snakebites over the years because anti snake venom is unavailable, while the nearest hospitals capable of treating such emergencies are located far from the community.
He appealed to the Chairman of Ussa Local Government Council, Abershi Musa, to urgently provide anti snake venom for the area to prevent further deaths.
Bewa also urged the Taraba State Commissioner for Health to intervene by ensuring that the essential medication is supplied to the community.
He stressed that timely access to anti snake venom would greatly reduce preventable deaths and strengthen emergency healthcare services in the border settlement.
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While expressing confidence in the commitment of both the local council and the Taraba State Government to residents’ welfare, Bewa called for immediate action, describing the situation as a public health emergency that requires urgent attention to avert further loss of lives.
