14-year-old IDP dies after snake bite

A 14-year-old internally displaced boy, Chagu Terhemen, has died after being bitten by a snake last Friday in Benue State.

Terhemen was accompanying his father to their farm at Tse Kyomke Mbapupuu in Gaambe Ushin Council Ward, Gwer West Local Government Area, when the incident occurred.

One of the displaced persons, Terna Ibaah, raised the alarm on Sunday, explaining that the boy had defied traditional treatment and began convulsing.

He confirmed that on Monday, under the directive of the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, James Iorpuu, Terhemen was rushed to Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.

Ibaah informed that , “Benue State SEMA Boss, Mr. James Iorpuu, ordered that the boy, who was bitten by a snake, be taken to Benue State University Teaching Hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, he passed away last night, September 1, 2025, at the hospital.”

Ibaah also noted that snake bites among displaced persons in the Agagbe camps have been recurring this year. “From January until now, we have recorded 12 victims of snake bites among IDPs in Agagbe. Fortunately, no deaths had been reported until now,” he said.

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It had been formerly reported on August 31st that Ibaah had accused the camp management of neglect, noting that some registered IDPs live with host communities due to congestion in the camps.

Tema Ager, Information Officer of SEMA, confirmed that the agency has a Memorandum of Understanding with Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, where registered IDPs can be rushed for treatment. She said, “As long as the victim is a registered IDP, he should be allowed to be taken for treatment at the Teaching Hospital.”

The incident highlights the ongoing health challenges faced by IDPs in Agagbe and underscores the urgent need for accessible medical care in congested camps.