Two residents of Lissam Sambo (Pangtso), a remote community in Ussa Local Government Area of Taraba State, have died from snakebites within a 24-hour period, sparking renewed concerns over poor access to critical healthcare services in the area.
The first victim, identified as Elder Bako Awanki, reportedly died on the evening of July 23 after being bitten by a snake. Hours later, another resident succumbed to a similar incident in a separate location within the same community.
Lissam Sambo, which shares a border with Cameroon, lacks a functional healthcare facility equipped with anti-snake venom — a crucial treatment needed to manage such emergencies.
Due to this gap, both victims were said to have relied on traditional remedies, which proved ineffective.
Community leaders have described the incidents as deeply troubling and reflective of a long-standing public health challenge.
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Chairman of the Community Development Association, Danladi Bewa, lamented that several lives have been lost under similar circumstances due to the absence of life-saving medication and the distance to the nearest equipped medical centers.
He called on local and state authorities to urgently intervene by providing anti-snake venom and improving healthcare infrastructure in the community.
According to him, timely access to proper medical treatment could significantly reduce preventable deaths and strengthen emergency response in the area.
Residents are now urging the Taraba State government and relevant health agencies to act swiftly, warning that continued neglect could lead to more avoidable tragedies.
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