14-Year-Old IDP Dies from Snake Bite in Benue
Tragedy struck in Benue State as Chagu Terhemen, a 14-year-old internally displaced boy, lost his life after a snake bite on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Tse Kyomke Mbapupuu, Gaambe Ushin Council Ward, Gwer West LGA.
Chagu was accompanying his father to the farm when the incident occurred. According to Terna Ibaah, a fellow displaced person, the boy initially received traditional treatment but later began convulsing.
By directive of the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), James Iorpuu, the boy was rushed to Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi. Sadly, he passed away on September 1, 2025.
Ibaah revealed that snake bites have become a recurring danger in the Agagbe IDP camps: “From January until now, we have recorded 12 victims of snake bites among IDPs in Agagbe. Fortunately, no deaths had been reported until now.”
SEMA’s Information Officer, Tema Ager, confirmed the agency’s Memorandum of Understanding with BSUTH, allowing registered IDPs to access medical treatment at the facility.
This painful incident underscores the urgent health and safety challenges faced by IDPs living in congested camps, where poor conditions expose children and families to preventable dangers.
Every child is entitled to the right to life, survival, and development, as well as the right to access health care services. No child should lose their life due to a lack of timely medical attention.
