Snake Bites Claim 54 Lives, Over 1,500 Victims Hospitalized in Gombe

By Our Reporter

Gombe State is grappling with a surge in snake bite cases, with 54 residents losing their lives to the deadly attacks in 2025 alone. According to Dr. Nuhu Bile, the state epidemiologist, a staggering 1,591 cases have been recorded at the Kaltungo Snake Bite Hospital, one of the primary treatment centers for snake bite victims in the state.

Dr. Bile attributes the high number of fatalities to the unavailability of free and adequate anti-snake venom, forcing many victims to seek alternative treatment. This has worsened the situation, highlighting the need for improved public health measures and emergency response systems in the state.

In a separate incident, a devastating fire has swept through the Gombe Timber Market, destroying goods and properties worth millions of naira. The blaze, reportedly sparked by an electrical fault, has left many traders facing significant financial losses. Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has directed an immediate investigation into the incident and promised relief for affected traders.

These incidents underscore the urgent need for improved public health infrastructure and emergency response systems in Gombe State. The government must take concrete steps to address the shortage of anti-snake venom and enhance fire safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.