Benue Assembly passes free snakebite treatment bill into law

The Benue State House of Assembly approved legislation to guarantee free treatment for snakebite victims at government hospitals across the state. The bill was passed after its third reading during a plenary session led by Speaker Berger Alfred Emberga, following a public hearing in March 2026. Dr. Mathew Damkor, chair of the Health Committee, emphasized that the law will improve access to urgent medical care and address financial barriers, especially for farmers and rural residents frequently affected by snakebites.