Plateau Pastor Dies After Snakebite as Gamakai Records Fresh Fatalities

A pastor of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Rev. Nankur Peter Kundul, has died after he was bitten by a venomous snake while serving as a missionary in Boltim village, Gamakai District of Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Kundul reportedly died at the Sabon Gida Clinic, where he was taken for treatment following the snakebite.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over the growing threat posed by venomous snakes in Gamakai, with at least two other Christians reportedly dying from snakebites in the community within the past week.

A fellow pastor, Rinkyer Asaph, who disclosed the incident on Monday through the Christian Daily International social media platform, described Kundul’s death as a painful loss and called for urgent intervention by government authorities.

Asaph said the late pastor was serving at the COCIN mission field in Boltim when he suffered the fatal snakebite.

“My heart is deeply saddened by the demise of my friend, Pastor Nankur Peter Kundul of COCIN Boltim, Gamakai, in Langtang South LGA, who lost his life to a snakebite at the Sabon Gida Clinic,” he said.

He warned that the recurring deaths had become more than an isolated incident, noting that the affected community is an important agricultural centre in Langtang South.

Gamakai, according to Asaph, depends heavily on farming, with its agricultural output contributing to food supplies for families across Langtang South, Plateau State and beyond.

He expressed concern that continued fatalities could discourage farmers from going to their farms, potentially affecting agricultural production and food security in the area.

“The recent deaths from snakebites in Gamakai have reached an alarming level and demand urgent intervention. Snakebite should not become a death sentence simply because a person lives or farms in Gamakai,” Asaph said.

The pastor called on health authorities to take immediate steps to address the situation, including investigating the apparent increase in the population of venomous snakes in the area.

He also urged local, state and federal authorities to strengthen emergency response and treatment facilities to prevent further deaths.

“Another person must not die from a snakebite that could have been prevented or treated. It is an emerging public health emergency that requires prompt, coordinated and decisive action from the local, state and federal authorities,” Asaph said.

He described Gamakai as an emergency requiring a swift response, particularly given the community’s importance to farming and food production.

The death of Kundul has consequently heightened calls for measures to protect residents and farmers, while ensuring that victims of snakebite have timely access to appropriate medical treatment and anti-snake venom.