A pastor with the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Rev Nankur Peter Kundul, has died after being bitten by a snake while serving in a mission field in Boltim village, Gamakai District of Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State. The news was shared on Monday, August 17, by Pastor Rinkyer Asaph via the Christian Daily International social media platform.
Mission Field Invaded by Venomous Snakes
According to Pastor Asaph, the mission field where the late Kundul served had been invaded by venomous snakes that had killed other people in the area. Kundul, who was deployed to the community as a missionary, lost his life at the Sabon Gida Clinic after the 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 died as a result of a snakebite, which has also killed at least two other Christians in the past one week," Asaph said.
Agricultural Impact and Public Health Threat
Asaph highlighted that Gamakai is the agricultural nerve centre of Langtang South, with residents heavily reliant on farming for their livelihood and food production. He noted that the agricultural produce from Gamakai is a source of food security for many families in Langtang South, Plateau, and Nigeria.
"But the rising incidence of fatal snakebites in the community is, therefore, not only a public health concern but a serious threat to agricultural activities, as farmers may become increasingly afraid to venture into their farmlands," he added.
Call for Urgent Intervention
The recent deaths from snakebites in Gamakai have reached an alarming level, according to Asaph, who demanded urgent intervention. He urged health authorities in the state to act promptly to address the snake threat and investigate why the venomous snake population in the area is growing.
"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. Gamakai is an emergency that deserves a swift response from authorities," Asaph said.
