The Benue State House of Assembly has approved legislation that will guarantee free treatment for victims of snakebite at government-owned hospitals across the state.
The bill received the backing of the lawmakers after successfully passing its third reading during plenary, which was presided over by the Speaker, Berger Alfred Emberga.
The development came after a public hearing conducted on Monday, March 23, 2026, during which stakeholders in the health sector discussed the need for legislation aimed at improving access to snakebite treatment in Benue.
The Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Health and Human Services, Dr. Mathew Damkor, who represents Tiev State Constituency, described snakebite as a major public health concern that has continued to receive inadequate attention, especially among farmers and people living in rural communities.
